The Impact of Inflation on Mortgage Rates and Homebuying Power

In today's economic climate, inflation has become a hot topic, especially for potential homebuyers. Understanding how inflation affects mortgage rates and your homebuying power is crucial. Let's see how it can impact your journey to homeownership. What is Inflation? First and foremost, inflation refers to the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises. When inflation is high, purchasing power decreases because each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services. How Inflation Affects Mortgage Rates Inflation and mortgage rates are closely linked. Here's how: Rising Interest Rates: When inflation increases, central banks often raise…
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How To Beat High Inflation with a Home Purchase

Inflation can erode the value of your savings over time, and one way to hedge against inflation is by investing in assets that appreciate in value over time. Real estate is often considered a good hedge against inflation, as property values tend to rise in line with inflation. Here are some ways a home purchase can help beat high inflation: Lock in a low-interest rate mortgage: High inflation often leads to higher interest rates, but if you lock in a low-interest rate mortgage when inflation is low, you can benefit from lower mortgage payments even if interest rates rise in…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 17, 2023

Last week’s financial reporting was dominated by readings on inflation. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen cautioned lawmakers that the debt ceiling must be raised or eliminated. Inflation slows in December Month-to-month inflation slowed by -0.1 percent in December and matched analysts’ expectations. This was the first slowing of inflation since the pandemic and the highest inflation reading since inflation reached its highest level in 40 years. Inflation rose by 0.1 percent in November. Year-over-year inflation rose by 6.5 percent, which matched expectations, and fell short of the November reading…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 18, 2022

Inflation dominated last week’s economic readings and predictions as it hit a year-over-year growth rate of  9.10 percent in July. Inflation reached its highest year-over-year growth rate since 1981. Gasoline prices eased somewhat, but not enough to provide relief against a backdrop of high housing and food prices. Low and moderate-income consumers were disproportionately impacted as rents rose beyond near-record inflation and home prices remained out of reach for many would-be home buyers. Inflation Causing Hardship for Moderate-Income Consumers Consumers faced with rapidly growing expenses turned to credit cards for purchasing food and household items; this trend suggests that as…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 14, 2022

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on inflation and the University of Michigan’s preliminary February reporting on consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Inflation Rises as Fed Considers Raising Key Rate The government’s Consumer Price Index for January reported that month-to-month inflation rose by 0.60 percent as compared to an expected increase of 0.40 percent which was based on December’s month-to-month increase of 0.50 percent.  Year-over-year inflation rose to a rate of 7.50 percent, which was the highest inflation rate in 40 years. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, also…
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Why Purchasing A House In 2022 Is Smart Despite Inflation

Anyone who has paid attention to the news has likely noticed that inflation is a constant headline. Inflation takes place when the average cost of goods and services begins to rise. There are a number of reasons why inflation has been rising at record rates during 2021 and 2022. The federal government has pumped money into the economy, and supply chain constraints have led to a shortage of goods. This means that everything from cars to groceries has gotten more expensive. Many individuals and families are looking for ways to save money, and this might mean putting off homeownership dreams.…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 18, 2022

Last week’s scheduled economic reporting focused on inflation with monthly and year-over-year readings on overall and core inflation. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was confirmed for a second term as Federal Reserve chair.  The University of Michigan released its monthly survey on consumer sentiment and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Inflation Rises in December; Nears Fastest Growth Pace in 40 Years Year-over-year inflation rose to a pace of seven percent in December and approached its fastest growth rate in 40 years according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Analysts expected year-over-year inflationary growth of…
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FOMC Statement: Fed Policymakers Discuss Easing Accommodations as Economy Improves

The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee considered easing monetary accommodations implemented in response to stronger economic conditions according to its post-meeting statement issued November 3. The Fed started making trillions in monthly bond purchases when the pandemic started but slowed its purchasing pace to $120 billion per month in June 2020. The Fed will soon reduce its monthly bond purchases to $105 billion monthly. The Fed said it will continue to purchase bonds until the economy makes “substantial progress” toward its legally mandated goals of achieving two percent inflation and maximum employment. Supply shortages and high demand for goods…
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