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MORTGAGE RATES & MARKET NEWS FOR APRIL 30th, 2024
As of the week ending on April 25, 2024, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is reported at approximately 7.877%. It’s important to note that these rates have seen some fluctuations, and various factors including economic conditions and the borrower’s credit profile influence the final rate offered. For those considering refinancing, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate refinance loan has slightly increased to about 8.425%.
Mortgage rates are significantly influenced by economic factors, personal financial details of the borrower, and the specific conditions of the mortgage market at the time. For instance, someone with a strong credit score and a substantial down payment might secure a lower rate, while those with lower credit scores or smaller down payments might face higher rates.
If you’re thinking of securing a mortgage or refinancing your current one, it would be beneficial to compare rates from multiple lenders to find the best deal for your situation. As of April 30, 2024, the housing market is showing signs of resilience and growth in certain areas despite ongoing challenges like high mortgage rates and affordability issues. Key insights include:
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Home sales have seen a mix of increases and decreases depending on the region. Nationally, existing home sales have improved month-over-month but are still below the levels from the previous year. New home sales show slight growth compared to the previous year, indicating a shift where more buyers are opting for new homes due to the low supply of existing homes (Freddie Mac – We Make Home Possible).
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The National Association of Realtors (NAR) forecasts a significant increase in existing-home sales to 4.71 million for 2024, which is up from the previous year. This growth is expected to be concentrated in markets with high demand such as Austin, Texas, which is noted as a top market to watch due to pent-up housing demand (http://www.nar.realtor).
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Mortgage rates have remained steady with an average of around 6.8% as of March, impacting both buying and refinancing activities. Although this presents challenges, there’s an uptick in both refinance activity and purchase applications as the market adapts to these conditions (Freddie Mac – We Make Home Possible).
Overall, while the housing market faces headwinds from higher rates and price pressures, certain regions are experiencing growth, and there’s a general sense of cautious optimism as the market adapts to the economic landscape of 2024.
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