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Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady
Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Yahoo

time05-07-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Today's mortgage rates have inched up, but the increases are pretty small. For example, according to Zillow, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is up one basis point to 6.59%. The average 15-year fixed rate has risen by four basis points to 5.81%. Steady mortgage interest rates can be good for buyers who want to lock in a rate. Sure, borrowers would be happy if rates dropped drastically — but stable rates are more reliable than volatile ones, which the U.S. housing market has had plenty of experience with so far in 2025. Read more: What determines mortgage rates? It's complicated. Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.59% 20-year fixed: 6.24% 15-year fixed: 5.81% 5/1 ARM: 7.36% 7/1 ARM: 7.38% 30-year VA: 6.14% 15-year VA: 5.60% 5/1 VA: 6.29% Remember, these are the national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth. Learn more: 8 strategies for getting the lowest mortgage rates These are today's mortgage refinance rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.59% 20-year fixed: 6.24% 15-year fixed: 5.81% 5/1 ARM: 7.36% 7/1 ARM: 7.38% 30-year VA: 6.14% 15-year VA: 5.60% 5/1 VA: 6.29% Again, the numbers provided are national averages rounded to the nearest hundredth. Mortgage refinance rates are often higher than rates when you buy a house, although that's not always the case. Use the mortgage calculator below to see how today's interest rates would affect your monthly mortgage payments. For a deeper dive, you can use Yahoo's free mortgage calculator to see how homeowners insurance and property taxes factor into in your monthly payment estimate. You even have the option to enter costs for private mortgage insurance (PMI) and homeowners' association dues if those apply to you. These details result in a more accurate monthly payment estimate than if you simply calculated your mortgage principal and interest. There are two main advantages to a 30-year fixed mortgage: Your payments are lower, and your monthly payments are predictable. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has relatively low monthly payments because you're spreading your repayment out over a longer period of time than with, say, a 15-year mortgage. Your payments are predictable because, unlike with an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), your rate isn't going to change from year to year. Most years, the only things that might affect your monthly payment are any changes to your homeowners insurance or property taxes. The main disadvantage to 30-year fixed mortgage rates is mortgage interest — both in the short and long term. A 30-year fixed term comes with a higher rate than a shorter fixed term, and it's higher than the intro rate to a 30-year ARM. The higher your rate, the higher your monthly payment. You'll also pay much more in interest over the life of your loan due to both the higher rate and the longer term. The pros and cons of 15-year fixed mortgage rates are basically swapped from the 30-year rates. Yes, your monthly payments will still be predictable, but another advantage is that shorter terms come with lower interest rates. Not to mention, you'll pay off your mortgage 15 years sooner. So you'll save potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest over the course of your loan. However, because you're paying off the same amount in half the time, your monthly payments will be higher than if you choose a 30-year term. Dig deeper: 15-year vs. 30-year mortgages Adjustable-rate mortgages lock in your rate for a predetermined amount of time, then change it periodically. For example, with a 5/1 ARM, your rate stays the same for the first five years and then goes up or down once per year for the remaining 25 years. The main advantage is that the introductory rate is usually lower than what you'll get with a 30-year fixed rate, so your monthly payments will be lower. (Current average rates don't necessarily reflect this, though — in some cases, fixed rates are actually lower. Talk to your lender before deciding between a fixed or adjustable rate.) With an ARM, you have no idea what mortgage rates will be like once the intro-rate period ends, so you risk your rate increasing later. This could ultimately end up costing more, and your monthly payments are unpredictable from year to year. But if you plan to move before the intro-rate period is over, you could reap the benefits of a low rate without risking a rate increase down the road. Learn more: Adjustable-rate vs. fixed-rate mortgage First of all, now is a relatively good time to buy a house compared to a couple of years ago. Home prices aren't spiking like they were during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you want or need to buy a house soon, you should feel pretty good about the current housing market. However, mortgage rates are staying relatively high due to the political and economic climate. Experts don't think rates will plummet in 2025, so you might not want to base your decision on whether to buy strictly on interest rates. Recent news that home price gains are slowing, with predictions that house values may actually ease lower this year, can be part of your home buying decision. The best time to buy is typically whenever it makes sense for your stage of life. Trying to time the real estate market can be as futile as timing the stock market — buy when it's the right time for you. Read more: Which is more important, your home price or mortgage rate? According to Zillow, the national average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.59% right now. But keep in mind that averages can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you're buying in a city with a high cost of living, rates could be higher. Overall, mortgage rates are expected to lower slightly in 2025. Rates may inch up or down from day to day, but there shouldn't be a huge shift in the near future. No, mortgage rates have been fairly steady over the last week, even ticking up today. In many ways, securing a low mortgage refinance rate is similar to when you bought your home. Try to improve your credit score and lower your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Refinancing into a shorter term will also land you a lower rate, though your monthly mortgage payments will be higher.

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady
Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Yahoo

time05-07-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Today's mortgage rates have inched up, but the increases are pretty small. For example, according to Zillow, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is up one basis point to 6.59%. The average 15-year fixed rate has risen by four basis points to 5.81%. Steady mortgage interest rates can be good for buyers who want to lock in a rate. Sure, borrowers would be happy if rates dropped drastically — but stable rates are more reliable than volatile ones, which the U.S. housing market has had plenty of experience with so far in 2025. Read more: What determines mortgage rates? It's complicated. Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.59% 20-year fixed: 6.24% 15-year fixed: 5.81% 5/1 ARM: 7.36% 7/1 ARM: 7.38% 30-year VA: 6.14% 15-year VA: 5.60% 5/1 VA: 6.29% Remember, these are the national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth. Learn more: 8 strategies for getting the lowest mortgage rates These are today's mortgage refinance rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.59% 20-year fixed: 6.24% 15-year fixed: 5.81% 5/1 ARM: 7.36% 7/1 ARM: 7.38% 30-year VA: 6.14% 15-year VA: 5.60% 5/1 VA: 6.29% Again, the numbers provided are national averages rounded to the nearest hundredth. Mortgage refinance rates are often higher than rates when you buy a house, although that's not always the case. Use the mortgage calculator below to see how today's interest rates would affect your monthly mortgage payments. For a deeper dive, you can use Yahoo's free mortgage calculator to see how homeowners insurance and property taxes factor into in your monthly payment estimate. You even have the option to enter costs for private mortgage insurance (PMI) and homeowners' association dues if those apply to you. These details result in a more accurate monthly payment estimate than if you simply calculated your mortgage principal and interest. There are two main advantages to a 30-year fixed mortgage: Your payments are lower, and your monthly payments are predictable. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has relatively low monthly payments because you're spreading your repayment out over a longer period of time than with, say, a 15-year mortgage. Your payments are predictable because, unlike with an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), your rate isn't going to change from year to year. Most years, the only things that might affect your monthly payment are any changes to your homeowners insurance or property taxes. The main disadvantage to 30-year fixed mortgage rates is mortgage interest — both in the short and long term. A 30-year fixed term comes with a higher rate than a shorter fixed term, and it's higher than the intro rate to a 30-year ARM. The higher your rate, the higher your monthly payment. You'll also pay much more in interest over the life of your loan due to both the higher rate and the longer term. The pros and cons of 15-year fixed mortgage rates are basically swapped from the 30-year rates. Yes, your monthly payments will still be predictable, but another advantage is that shorter terms come with lower interest rates. Not to mention, you'll pay off your mortgage 15 years sooner. So you'll save potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest over the course of your loan. However, because you're paying off the same amount in half the time, your monthly payments will be higher than if you choose a 30-year term. Dig deeper: 15-year vs. 30-year mortgages Adjustable-rate mortgages lock in your rate for a predetermined amount of time, then change it periodically. For example, with a 5/1 ARM, your rate stays the same for the first five years and then goes up or down once per year for the remaining 25 years. The main advantage is that the introductory rate is usually lower than what you'll get with a 30-year fixed rate, so your monthly payments will be lower. (Current average rates don't necessarily reflect this, though — in some cases, fixed rates are actually lower. Talk to your lender before deciding between a fixed or adjustable rate.) With an ARM, you have no idea what mortgage rates will be like once the intro-rate period ends, so you risk your rate increasing later. This could ultimately end up costing more, and your monthly payments are unpredictable from year to year. But if you plan to move before the intro-rate period is over, you could reap the benefits of a low rate without risking a rate increase down the road. Learn more: Adjustable-rate vs. fixed-rate mortgage First of all, now is a relatively good time to buy a house compared to a couple of years ago. Home prices aren't spiking like they were during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you want or need to buy a house soon, you should feel pretty good about the current housing market. However, mortgage rates are staying relatively high due to the political and economic climate. Experts don't think rates will plummet in 2025, so you might not want to base your decision on whether to buy strictly on interest rates. Recent news that home price gains are slowing, with predictions that house values may actually ease lower this year, can be part of your home buying decision. The best time to buy is typically whenever it makes sense for your stage of life. Trying to time the real estate market can be as futile as timing the stock market — buy when it's the right time for you. Read more: Which is more important, your home price or mortgage rate? According to Zillow, the national average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.59% right now. But keep in mind that averages can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you're buying in a city with a high cost of living, rates could be higher. Overall, mortgage rates are expected to lower slightly in 2025. Rates may inch up or down from day to day, but there shouldn't be a huge shift in the near future. No, mortgage rates have been fairly steady over the last week, even ticking up today. In many ways, securing a low mortgage refinance rate is similar to when you bought your home. Try to improve your credit score and lower your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Refinancing into a shorter term will also land you a lower rate, though your monthly mortgage payments will be higher.

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today for June 30, 2025: Rates hold steady
Mortgage and refinance interest rates today for June 30, 2025: Rates hold steady

Yahoo

time30-06-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today for June 30, 2025: Rates hold steady

Today marks the last day of Q2 2025, and current mortgage rates are about on par with where they were at the end of Q1. Compared to the end of March, the average 30-year mortgage rate is down just two basis points to 6.53%. The 15-year fixed interest rate has decreased a bit more significantly: 12 basis points to 5.71%. Most economists don't expect mortgage rates to drop significantly in 2025 or even 2026. If you're waiting to buy a house until rates plummet, you could be waiting a while. If you can afford a house, it might be better to buy sooner rather than later so you can start building equity. And remember — you can always refinance into a lower rate in a few years. Dig deeper: The best time of year to buy a house Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.53% 20-year fixed: 6.08% 15-year fixed: 5.71% 5/1 ARM: 7.00% 7/1 ARM: 7.08% 30-year VA: 6.12% 15-year VA: 5.45% 5/1 VA: 6.16% Remember, these are the national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth. These are today's mortgage refinance rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.61% 20-year fixed: 6.21% 15-year fixed: 5.86% 5/1 ARM: 7.19% 7/1 ARM: 7.22% 30-year VA: 6.17% 15-year VA: 5.89% 5/1 VA: 5.90% Again, the numbers provided are national averages rounded to the nearest hundredth. Although it's not always the case, mortgage refinance rates tend to be a little higher than purchase rates. Read more: The best mortgage refinance lenders right now You can use the free Yahoo Finance mortgage calculator to play around with how different terms and rates will affect your monthly payment. Our calculator considers factors like property taxes and homeowners insurance when estimating your monthly mortgage payment. This gives you a better idea of your total monthly payment than if you just looked at mortgage principal and interest. But if you want a quick, simple way to see how today's rates would impact your monthly mortgage payment, try out the calculator below: Today's average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.53%. A 30-year term is the most popular type of mortgage because by spreading out your payments over 360 months, your monthly payment is relatively low. If you had a $300,000 mortgage with a 30-year term and a 6.53% rate, your monthly payment toward the principal and interest would be about $1,902, and you'd pay $384,766 in interest over the life of your loan — on top of that original $300,000. The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.71% today. Several factors must be considered when deciding between a 15-year and 30-year mortgage. A 15-year mortgage comes with a lower interest rate than a 30-year term. This is great in the long run because you'll pay off your loan 15 years sooner, and that's 15 fewer years for interest to compound. However, your monthly payments will be higher because you're squeezing the same debt payoff into half the time. If you get that same $300,000 mortgage but with a 15-year term and a 5.71% rate, your monthly payment would jump up to $2,485— but you'd only pay $147,266 in interest over the years. Dig deeper: How much house can I afford? Use our home affordability calculator. With an adjustable-rate mortgage, your rate is locked in for a set period of time and then increases or decreases periodically. For example, with a 5/1 ARM, your rate stays the same for the first five years, then changes every year. Adjustable rates usually start lower than fixed rates, but you run the risk that your rate goes up once the introductory rate-lock period is over. But an ARM could be a good fit if you plan to sell the home before your rate-lock period ends — that way, you pay a lower rate without worrying about it rising later. Lately, ARM rates have occasionally been similar to or higher than fixed rates. Before dedicating yourself to a fixed or adjustable mortgage rate, be sure to shop around for the best lenders and rates. Some will offer more competitive adjustable rates than others. Mortgage lenders typically give the lowest mortgage rates to people with higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios. So if you want a lower rate, try saving more, improving your credit score, or paying down some debt before you start shopping for homes. You can also buy down your interest rate permanently by paying for discount points at closing. A temporary interest rate buydown is also an option — for example, maybe you get a 6.5% rate with a 2-1 buydown. Your rate would start at 4.5% for year one, increase to 5.5% for year two, then settle in at 6.5% for the remainder of your term. Just consider whether these buydowns are worth the extra money at closing. Ask yourself whether you'll stay in the home long enough that the amount you save with a lower rate offsets the cost of buying down your rate before making your decision. Here are interest rates for some of the most popular mortgage terms: According to Zillow data, the national average 30-year fixed rate is 6.53%, the 15-year fixed rate is 5.71%, and the 5/1 ARM rate is 7%. A normal mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed loan is 6.53%. However, keep in mind that's the national average based on Zillow data. The average might be higher or lower depending on where you live in the U.S. Mortgage rates probably won't drop significantly in 2025 — especially over the next several weeks while economists keep an eye on inflation and Middle East unrest.

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today for June 30, 2025: Rates have held steady this quarter
Mortgage and refinance interest rates today for June 30, 2025: Rates have held steady this quarter

Yahoo

time30-06-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today for June 30, 2025: Rates have held steady this quarter

Today marks the last day of Q2 2025, and current mortgage rates are about on par with where they were at the end of Q1. Compared to the end of March, the average 30-year mortgage rate is down just two basis points to 6.53%. The 15-year fixed interest rate has decreased a bit more significantly: 12 basis points to 5.71%. Most economists don't expect mortgage rates to drop significantly in 2025 or even 2026. If you're waiting to buy a house until rates plummet, you could be waiting a while. If you can afford a house, it might be better to buy sooner rather than later so you can start building equity. And remember — you can always refinance into a lower rate in a few years. Dig deeper: The best time of year to buy a house Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.53% 20-year fixed: 6.08% 15-year fixed: 5.71% 5/1 ARM: 7.00% 7/1 ARM: 7.08% 30-year VA: 6.12% 15-year VA: 5.45% 5/1 VA: 6.16% Remember, these are the national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth. These are today's mortgage refinance rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.61% 20-year fixed: 6.21% 15-year fixed: 5.86% 5/1 ARM: 7.19% 7/1 ARM: 7.22% 30-year VA: 6.17% 15-year VA: 5.89% 5/1 VA: 5.90% Again, the numbers provided are national averages rounded to the nearest hundredth. Although it's not always the case, mortgage refinance rates tend to be a little higher than purchase rates. Read more: The best mortgage refinance lenders right now You can use the free Yahoo Finance mortgage calculator to play around with how different terms and rates will affect your monthly payment. Our calculator considers factors like property taxes and homeowners insurance when estimating your monthly mortgage payment. This gives you a better idea of your total monthly payment than if you just looked at mortgage principal and interest. But if you want a quick, simple way to see how today's rates would impact your monthly mortgage payment, try out the calculator below: Today's average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.53%. A 30-year term is the most popular type of mortgage because by spreading out your payments over 360 months, your monthly payment is relatively low. If you had a $300,000 mortgage with a 30-year term and a 6.53% rate, your monthly payment toward the principal and interest would be about $1,902, and you'd pay $384,766 in interest over the life of your loan — on top of that original $300,000. The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.71% today. Several factors must be considered when deciding between a 15-year and 30-year mortgage. A 15-year mortgage comes with a lower interest rate than a 30-year term. This is great in the long run because you'll pay off your loan 15 years sooner, and that's 15 fewer years for interest to compound. However, your monthly payments will be higher because you're squeezing the same debt payoff into half the time. If you get that same $300,000 mortgage but with a 15-year term and a 5.71% rate, your monthly payment would jump up to $2,485— but you'd only pay $147,266 in interest over the years. Dig deeper: How much house can I afford? Use our home affordability calculator. With an adjustable-rate mortgage, your rate is locked in for a set period of time and then increases or decreases periodically. For example, with a 5/1 ARM, your rate stays the same for the first five years, then changes every year. Adjustable rates usually start lower than fixed rates, but you run the risk that your rate goes up once the introductory rate-lock period is over. But an ARM could be a good fit if you plan to sell the home before your rate-lock period ends — that way, you pay a lower rate without worrying about it rising later. Lately, ARM rates have occasionally been similar to or higher than fixed rates. Before dedicating yourself to a fixed or adjustable mortgage rate, be sure to shop around for the best lenders and rates. Some will offer more competitive adjustable rates than others. Mortgage lenders typically give the lowest mortgage rates to people with higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios. So if you want a lower rate, try saving more, improving your credit score, or paying down some debt before you start shopping for homes. You can also buy down your interest rate permanently by paying for discount points at closing. A temporary interest rate buydown is also an option — for example, maybe you get a 6.5% rate with a 2-1 buydown. Your rate would start at 4.5% for year one, increase to 5.5% for year two, then settle in at 6.5% for the remainder of your term. Just consider whether these buydowns are worth the extra money at closing. Ask yourself whether you'll stay in the home long enough that the amount you save with a lower rate offsets the cost of buying down your rate before making your decision. Here are interest rates for some of the most popular mortgage terms: According to Zillow data, the national average 30-year fixed rate is 6.53%, the 15-year fixed rate is 5.71%, and the 5/1 ARM rate is 7%. A normal mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed loan is 6.53%. However, keep in mind that's the national average based on Zillow data. The average might be higher or lower depending on where you live in the U.S. Mortgage rates probably won't drop significantly in 2025 — especially over the next several weeks while economists keep an eye on inflation and Middle East unrest.

How a Recession Impacts Mortgage Rates, According to This Realtor
How a Recession Impacts Mortgage Rates, According to This Realtor

CNET

time28-06-2025

  • Business
  • CNET

How a Recession Impacts Mortgage Rates, According to This Realtor

Mortgage rates have typically fallen during recessionary headlines come and go in today's news cycle, which is filled with trade war anxieties, stock market roller-coaster rides and global conflict. No one wants to pin their hopes on a major economic setback. But since recessions have often created more favorable conditions for mortgage rates, many of my clients want to know: Will buying a home become more affordable in a recession? Since the beginning of 2025, average 30-year fixed mortgage rates have been stuck in the high 6.5% to 7% range. Most housing experts, myself included, aren't expecting rates to move much lower before the end of this year. What would it take for mortgages to drop? Could a dramatic shock to the economy send rates down below 3%, like we saw during the pandemic? Not necessarily. Having navigated the real estate market for over two decades, I've witnessed its highs and lows, including the 2008 seismic crash. When it comes to buying a home, the market is just one piece of the puzzle, and there's always an opportunity for certain homebuyers. If you're financially ready, the current economic landscape could actually tip the scales in your favor. Let's explore what a recession could mean for mortgage rates, home prices and your journey to homeownership. Do mortgage rates go down in a recession? During an economic downturn, mortgage rates tend to decrease for a few reasons. Market uncertainty can cause investors to seek the stability of government bonds, driving up bond prices and consequently lowering their yields (which are tied to interest rates). Recessions also typically lead to less consumer spending and more job losses, which in turn reduces demand for mortgage loans. This decreased demand can cause lenders to reduce rates. Moreover, the Federal Reserve usually cuts its short-term interest rate during recessionary periods. Lower borrowing rates can help stimulate the economy by encouraging more households to spend and take out loans. Mortgage rates did drop in recent economic depressions, both in 2020 and 2008. But things are messier this time around. There's political volatility and economic uncertainty everywhere, and the Trump administration's policies are changing daily. Even though rates could see some dips, they might also shoot back up. If you're holding out for 4% or 5% mortgage rates, you'll be waiting longer than you'd like. It's going to take far more negative economic news to see rates fall in a big way. Are we in a recession now? There have been plenty of recession warning signs over the last couple of months. Layoffs are picking up, and consumer confidence has dipped. Paychecks aren't going as far, and retirement accounts are taking hits. While less disposable income and tighter budgets point to a general slowdown in the economy, technically, we're not in a recession. It generally takes two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth to hit that definition. The official declaration of a recession by the National Bureau of Economic Research usually comes after a period of economic decline has already been ongoing for several months. For a lot of folks, it already feels like we're in the middle of a downturn. Even if the inflation rate isn't going up, the cost of everyday goods and services is high, and budgets are getting hammered. When folks feel the squeeze every time they swipe a card at the grocery store, it prevents them from making huge purchases like a home or from taking on more debt. Will the Fed cut interest rates? Borrowing costs, credit and debt have been expensive for the last several years, making households and businesses wary about finances. After holding interest rates steady so far this year, the Fed is projected to cut interest rates in July or September, eventually making financing cheaper. But the central bank has been cautious about shifting policy, especially with tariffs driving prices back up. Rate cuts have been controversial, and the Fed is a bit stuck right now. The economy's losing steam and inflation is cooling, but not fast enough. Also, while lower interest rates will affect the housing market, the Fed doesn't directly control mortgage rates. Mortgage rates move based on many factors, such as the bond market and investor expectations. Even when the Fed starts cutting rates again, don't expect mortgage rates to drop to rock bottom. Many of those expected cuts are already priced into the market. Will home prices go down in a recession? Home prices are a big concern during a recession. Even if home prices are currently showing some signs of cooling off, inventory remains tight on a national scale and sellers still have the upper hand in a lot of regions. Plus, given high construction and labor costs, home prices won't be falling off a cliff anytime soon. Historically, home prices don't fall much during downturns. The 2008 housing crash was the exception, not the rule. What we'll probably see is slower appreciation or small dips in certain markets, especially in areas hit by higher insurance costs, taxes or natural disasters (Florida, Texas and Louisiana come to mind). Is it cheaper to buy a home during a recession? If you're financially stable, it could be cheaper to buy a home in a recession. You might find better deals, less competition and more negotiating power. But if lending tightens, as it often does during a downturn, getting a loan could get tougher. That's something we're already starting to see with condos and certain types of properties. Don't overlook "the wealth effect." When people feel wealthier, like when their stock portfolio or home value is up, they're more confident in making big purchases. But when economic uncertainty is high, or there's even a threat of job insecurity, households pull back. That negatively affects buyer activity. If someone just lost $20,000 in their 401(k), they're not rushing to get a new mortgage. Is now the best time to buy a home? Your personal financial situation matters more than your interest rate. If you have a solid income stream, strong credit and a long-term plan for paying off a home loan, waiting for lower rates might not be worth it. The best time to buy a home is when it makes sense for you. So don't expect a "perfect time" to take out a mortgage. The green light most people are waiting for doesn't exist. If you prepare, stay informed and work with the right team, you can make a smart move no matter what the economy's doing. Read more: Here's Why You Probably Can't Afford a Home on a $100K Salary Watch this: 6 Ways to Reduce Your Mortgage Interest Rate by 1% or More 02:31

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