These are today's mortgage and refinance rates. Mortgage rates are down slightly, but it's unclear if they'll drop much further in 2025.
The article from MSN discusses the current state of mortgage rates and housing affordability in the U.S. Despite a slight decrease in mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging around 6.95% as of late 2023, affordability remains a significant challenge. The article highlights that while rates have dipped, they are still high compared to historical lows, impacting homebuyers' purchasing power. Factors contributing to this include not only the elevated interest rates but also a persistent low inventory of homes for sale, which keeps home prices high. Additionally, the article notes that economic conditions, including inflation and Federal Reserve policies, play a crucial role in determining future mortgage rates. Experts suggest that while rates might fluctuate, a significant drop to levels seen in the past few years is unlikely in the immediate future, meaning that affordability might not see substantial improvement in 2023 unless there are unexpected economic shifts or policy changes.