Boston Real Estate in 2022
The best stimulus for Boston real estate owners: Low mortgage rates
Mortgage rates fall below 5% — for the first time since April
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.99% as of August. 4: down 0.8% from last week. The news marks the first time since April that mortgage rates have dipped below 5%.
Still, it’s high compared to one year ago when the 30-year FRM averaged just 2.77%.
“Mortgage rates remained volatile due to the tug of war between inflationary pressures and a clear slowdown in economic growth,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
Commenting on the sudden fluctuation, Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater said that mortgage rates have remained volatile amidst an economic slowdown. “The high uncertainty surrounding inflation and other factors will likely cause rates to remain variable,” he said. “Especially as the Federal Reserve attempts to navigate the current economic environment.”
On June 27, the Fed raised interest rates by 0.75% for the second time this summer.
Like the 30-year, the 15-year FRM also declined, averaging 4.26% on Aug. 4. That’s a week-over-week decline of 0.6% and a year-over-year increase of 2.16%.
Updated: Boston Real Estate 2022
Mortgage interest rates are now at record lows. Some downtown Boston condo owners have managed to refinance. Refinancing can mean lower monthly payments. For those who are facing unemployment now or could be in the future, this is the best time to refinance.
Lower interest rates will provide a little relief for homebuyers who will be experiencing high prices and a strong seller’s market in 2021.
The rates in the chart are averages from FreddieMac and are available to people who have great credit scores and incomes that afford mortgage payments.
At one point I thought Boston real estate mortgage interest rates would not go below 3%. I am very happy to be wrong about this.
Boston Real Estate in 2021
Click to View Google Review
Updated: Boston Real Estate 2022