Interest rates have been plummeting, but the cost of taking out a mortgage hasn’t fallen as fast.
Falling rates are usually a boon to the housing market, since that typically lowers the interest rates that lenders offer on mortgages. Borrowers can then buy homes or refinance their existing mortgages at a lower monthly cost. But they haven’t been feeling the full benefit of the recent rate swoon; one reason the housing market has remained cool over the past year.
Another reason is borrowers’ strong appetite for mortgages is outpacing the lending industry’s ability to provide them as many lenders trimmed their operations last year when mortgage demand dropped.
Advertisement
Related Stories
Economics
Shelter Costs Drive Inflation Higher Than Expected in January
January Consumer Price Index data show inflation increased more than anticipated as shelter costs continue to rise despite Federal Reserve policy tightening
Economics
Weighing the Effects of the Fed's and Treasury's Latest Announcements
The upshot of the Jan. 31 announcements is that while mortgage rates will stay higher for longer, they're likely to hold steady
Economics
NAHB CEO Tobin Says 'Housing Renaissance' on the Horizon
Responding to positive housing-related data such as falling mortgage rates and increased homebuyer activity, NAHB's CEO Jim Tobin is optimistic