logo
San Francisco icon
icon San Francisco icon
News & Insights
Mortgage Rate Decline Encourages Homebuying in the U.S.
Mortgage Rate Decline Encourages Homebuying in the U.S. San Francisco
By   Internet
  • City News
  • Mortgage rates
  • US home buying
  • US housing market
Abstract: The decrease in mortgage rates plays a miraculous role in revitalizing the real estate market.

According to a recent survey by Realtor.com®, many Americans believe that as long as mortgage rates decrease, they may be able to fulfill their dream of homeownership.


The survey found that the 5% mark is a critical number. Twenty-two percent of Americans plan to purchase homes next year, believing that achieving this goal is possible if rates drop below 6%. Additionally, 32% of Americans indicate that homebuying becomes feasible if rates fall below 5%.


Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale notes, "Even small changes in mortgage rates can have a big impact on monthly mortgage payments." For first-time homebuyers, the drop in mortgage rates increases their purchasing power. For repeat buyers who already own a home, the lower the rate, the smaller the increase in their mortgage payments.


The survey was conducted from October 31 to November 6, 2023, with over 5,000 American consumers participating, including over 1,000 who purchased homes last year and over 1,500 who plan to buy homes next year.


Mortgage Rate Decline Encourages Homebuying in the U.S.

(David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)


Since October, mortgage rates have been declining. They peaked in the fall, nearly reaching 8%, but by mid-December, they had dropped to around 6% and have since fluctuated within that range.


Hale explains, "Mortgage rates have dropped a full percentage point from their peak." This means that with the same monthly payment, buyers can afford more expensive homes or purchase homes of the same price with lower monthly payments. In either case, it's a win for homebuyers.


Surprisingly, the youngest homebuyers aren't deterred by high rates. Despite being the most affected by rising home prices and mortgage rates, survey data shows that nearly half of Millennials (47%) and over one-third of Gen Z (37%) are still willing to buy homes even with mortgage rates as high as 8%.


The youngest potential homebuyers are also the most hopeful. Among surveyed Gen Z homebuyers, nearly half express a desire to buy homes within the next five years. Additionally, about one-third of Millennials (32%), 36% of Gen X members, and approximately one-fourth of Boomers (26%) share similar aspirations.


Hale points out, "It makes sense for younger buyers to be more optimistic. They face more challenges; they often have lower incomes and less savings." However, they also have plenty of time to enjoy this growing purchasing power. With their incomes now exceeding the inflation rate, their purchasing power is actually increasing.

Leave a message
icon
Please enter your nationality
+87
Cannot be empty
Email address is invalid Email address not authenticated!
icon
Welcome to House.com
Log in or sign up to get the most out of your experience. This will also help increase your chances of response from agents.
Enter a valid email address.
or
Continue with Google
By submitting, I accept House.com’s   Terms of use
icon icon
Verify Your Email
Hello ,we’ ve just sent the code to your email.please check and enter the code here to continue logging in.
Verification code error
Didn’t receive email? Please check your spam folder
icon
banner
Mortgage Rate Decline Encourages Homebuying in the U.S.
icon Copy link
icon WhatsApp
icon Facebook
icon Twitter