Newsletter
It’s a strange time for U.S. mortgage rates. After reaching and remaining at historical lows due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mortgage rates are experiencing quite a bit of fluctuation, dipping above and below the 3% mark. However, despite the Federal Reserve pulling back on purchasing mortgage-backed securities (MBSs) and a promising U.S. retail sales report, mortgage rates still seem to be remaining low.
While this fluctuation of mortgage rates may continue through December 2021, its constant seesawing may be due to several economic factors such as the rise of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and Europe, the Federal Reserve’s actions, low unemployment rates, higher spending rates among consumers, and inflation.
Mortgage Rates Forecast for December 2021
A resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic across the U.S. and Europe may play an especially large role in what direction mortgage rates go, especially with the holiday season in the U.S. kicking off.
In the U.S., while COVID-19 rates are about half of what they were at this time of year last year, according to John Hopkins University, in November 2021, the U.S. experienced a 16% spike in COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, in Europe, the European Union is worried that the massive uptick in COVID-19 cases may inhibit its economic recovery.
These increases in COVID-19 cases may inspire a lack of confidence in the economy, thus, pushing investors to keep mortgage rates low.
However, there are other forces at work, as well. The decisions of the Federal Reserve, for example, may bring an increase in mortgage rates.
On November 3, 2021, the Federal Reserve made the decision to begin to taper its purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). The Federal Reserve does not typically set mortgage rates. However, it’s been an influential force in keeping those rates low recently by spending $40 billion each month on MBSs up until recently. At its November meeting, the Federal Reserve chose to cut back by $5 billion in MBSs which may gradually cause mortgage rates to increase.
"Various participants noted that the Committee should be prepared to adjust the pace of asset purchases and raise the target range for the federal funds rate sooner than participants currently anticipated if inflation continued to run higher than levels consistent with the Committee's objectives," the Federal Reserve stated in its November meeting minutes.
While inflation increases in the spring and summer were originally thought to be “largely reflecting transitory factors”, in the Federal Reserve's September 2021 meeting, some within the Federal Reserve now have concerns as issues with inflation have continued into the fall.
“The Fed is in motion, pushed by inflation running ahead of their forecasts and looking less transitory than they had anticipated. They left themselves some room for policy change by committing to the speed of tapering assets for only two months, where adjustments could be made thereafter,” said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, in a Fannie Mae report.
For now, as these two economic opposing forces continue to battle it out, mortgage rates may persist in their fluctuation. For example, in the week ending on November 4, 2021, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages were clocked at 3.09%, according to Freddie Mac. That very next week, mortgage rates for that same type of mortgage dipped below 3% at 2.98%, then back up to 3.1% the next week. However, as long as the U.S. continues to make economic strides, in the long term, Americans may see mortgage rates increase overall.
Mortgage Rate Predictions for the Next 90 Days
According to Freddie Mac’s quarterly forecast, Americans may see 2021 close out with 30-year-fixed mortgage rates at around 3.4%. However, only time will tell as Americans continue to see fluctuating mortgage rates potentially for the remainder of 2021, especially in light of COVID-19 cases and the holidays. However, strong economic indicators may cause mortgage rates to rise slightly throughout the next 90 days.
One of those indicators includes an increase in retail and food service sales. According to the U.S. Census Bureau sales in these sectors rose by 1.7% in October, while automotive sales and parts grew by 1.8%. Other areas such as industrial production (1.6%), manufacturing output (1.2%), and mining production (4.1%) also experienced growth, as did motor vehicle production (11%).
While “much of the gain was caused by higher prices in October”, according to Fannie Mae, it is still aligned with the organization’s prediction of a revival in "personal consumption growth" in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Mortgage Rate Forecast for 2022
If the Federal Reserve continues to taper off its purchases of MBSs to keep mortgage rates low, Americans may see the impact in 2022 as well as in 2023. According to a report by Fannie Mae, mortgage rates are expected to reach 3.5% by 2023 because of inflation.
“Economic growth continues to slow, but not precipitously; and as rates have not yet reacted strongly, housing and mortgage activity remain very strong. Market participants will have one eye on the monthly inflation releases and the other eye on the Fed in the months ahead,” Duncan stated in the report. “How credible investors, business leaders, and consumers find the Federal Reserve’s evolving beliefs regarding the passing or sustained level of inflation and resulting monetary policy actions will be key – their choices will impact economic growth as well as housing and mortgage activity.”
However, the Federal Reserve isn’t the only factor that can impact mortgage rates going into 2022. In fact, it may even clash with other challenges the housing industry is facing.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be disruptive to home construction. Housing market issues with the supply chain and labor shortages — which limit the number of homes available to be sold compared to the demand — aren’t expected to end anytime soon, some experts believe. In fact, they’ll likely extend into 2022, according to some researchers.
“We also expect inflation to remain elevated through much of next year,” Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae senior vice president and chief economist, said in a Fannie Mae report. “Affordability remains a challenge, even with mortgage rates near historic lows; if the pace of income growth doesn’t keep up with inflation and interest rates rise more than expected, we’d expect housing activity to slow from our current projections.”
After a volatile year for the housing market in 2020, the industry experienced a seesaw of low home sales to an “unsustainable rebound,” according to a report by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). New home sales have since cooled.
“Home prices are up 20% from a year ago due to higher construction costs, and these price hikes are a risk for housing affordability as we approach the end of the year,” said Robert Dietz, NAHB chief economist, in the report.
However, despite these challenges, Freddie Mac’s latest quarterly forecast report shows optimism in the housing market, though its mortgage refinance rates forecast predicts that refinancing homes will slow as a result of higher mortgage rates going into 2022.
While in the report, Freddie Mac does acknowledge that housing prices are the “highest they have been in 131 years of data dating back to 1890,” it does predict that pricing will start to moderate. Freddie Mac expects to go from full-year house price growth of 12.1% in 2021 to 5.3% in 2022.
“High house price growth has been supported by increased demand due to low mortgage rates, disposable after-tax income that has risen during the current recession and a major shortage of housing supply relative to our population,” the Freddie Mac forecast stated. “The increase in house price growth will be less transitory than the increase in consumer prices, as the U.S. housing market will continue to struggle with a shortage of available housing for many months to come.”
Common Mortgage Rate Strategies
While mortgage rates may still be fluctuating for a bit, Americans may still want to prepare for the potential of higher mortgage rates eventually. As the economy continues to show signs of growth and improvement, mortgage rates will likely rise with it, though it may be a gradual process.
In the meantime, there are strategies Americans can utilize that may help them capitalize on low rates.
- Explore mortgage rate marketplaces: Many lenders recommend that you should try to avoid settling for the first low rates you see advertised. Often, those rates are geared toward borrowers with excellent credit scores and the finances to put down large down payments, so some borrowers may not qualify for rates as low as advertised. Secure the best offer for your credit and financial situation by comparing the best mortgage rates on an online marketplace like Lendstart. This can make comparing rates, fees, and terms much more convenient so it's easier to lock down the best deal.
- Consider refinancing: Freddie Mac’s mortgage refinance rates prediction forecasts that refi rates are going to get less attractive to borrowers once mortgage rates start to increase again. Some borrowers have been pondering refinancing their homes for a while now, while others found it may be wise to take advantage of low rates before they start increasing toward the end of 2021 and into the next year. By doing this, you could potentially save money in the long run, especially if you purchased your home before the COVID-19 pandemic at a higher rate.
- Look into buying a second home: In March 2021, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) limited Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s capacity to offer loans for second homes. In mid-September, however, the FHFA and the U.S. Department of the Treasury suspended that measure which may make it easier for borrowers to purchase a second home or investment property at a lower rate than usual. Though, there’s no telling how long this policy suspension will last.
With political and economic events influencing the US economy, higher mortgage rates may be on the horizon for new homeowners for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022. Since there’s a chance the housing market won’t see these rates again for a while, some borrowers may be tempted to sign up for a new home loan prematurely. Borrowers should weigh their options and consider their timing carefully as that may make a difference in how much money they end up spending on their mortgage overall.
Disclaimer
The content is provided “as is”. The content is not, nor shall it be taken as professional or financial services or advice. We are not a financial institute, insurance broker, or agent. Your use and reliance on any of the information provided therein should be done solely at your own risk. We highly recommend contacting and consulting a financial advisor prior to making any financial decision. We will not be responsible for any damages which may occur as a result of your use of the content available therein. We make no warranty that any information available is true, reliable, or accurate.
Article Topics
Mortgage Loans
Lendstart aims to simplify complicated topics in the personal finance field. Gain insight from our thought leaders, seasoned industry experts, who strive to provide timely and practical information on current market trends.
