During its upcoming meeting, it's expected the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates as they are. But, despite the pause in rate hikes, consumers will continue to face high borrowing costs, CNBC reports. Mortgage rates have risen to 8%, which is affecting housing affordability, and because adjustable-rate mortgages and home equity lines of credit are pegged to the prime rate their rates have surged as well.
In addition to elevated housing costs, auto loan rates are over 7%, which means higher payments for car buyers, too. Meanwhile, federal student loan rates have risen to 5.5%, affecting borrowers as interest accrues again. That shift back to payments has proven challenging for many with existing debt.
“Rates have risen two full percentage points in 2023 alone,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Purchase activity has slowed to a virtual standstill, affordability remains a significant hurdle for many and the only way to address it is lower rates and greater inventory.”
Advertisement
Related Stories
Housing Markets
Metros Where Housing Prices Have Doubled in Less Than 10 Years
Historical data show it's taken less than 10 years for home prices to double in 68 of the country’s 100 largest cities
Housing Policy + Finance
Even With Inflation Running Hot and Elevated Mortgage Rates, Buyer Demand Rises
Mortgage rates will likely stay high for the next few months, but that doesn't seem to be deterring homebuyers
Financing
Q1 2024 Foreclosure Activity Rises Slightly
Data show New York, Houston, and Chicago topping the list of major metros with the greatest number of foreclosure starts during Q1 2024