The US housing market has been experiencing a surge in demand over the past year, with low mortgage rates being one of the key factors driving the trend. However, recent announcements by the Federal Reserve regarding the direction of interest rates have left many potential homebuyers wondering what the future holds for mortgage rates.
In their most recent policy statement, the Federal Reserve indicated that they plan to keep interest rates low for the time being but also hinted that they may begin tapering their bond-buying program soon. This has led to uncertainty about how mortgage rates will be affected in the coming months.
The US Federal Reserve pressed ahead with a quarter-point rate rise today. The Fed’s latest move brings the federal funds rate to a range of 4.75% to 5%. Fed says it will continue rate hikes in 2023.
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions or want to discuss this topic further. 519-217-3484 or email at info@mortgagemenow.ca
How US mortgage rates impact the Canadian mortgage market.
The US and Canadian mortgage markets are closely linked, with changes in one market often impacting the other. Changes in US mortgage rates could affect the Canadian market through changes in the demand for Canadian bonds. If US mortgage rates rise, investors may shift their money towards US bonds, which could decrease demand for Canadian bonds. It will increase Canadian bond yields, which can lead to an increase in Canadian mortgage rates.
Additionally, changes in US mortgage rates could also impact the Canadian economy. If US mortgage rates rise, It might decrease the demand for Canadian exports, leading to a decrease in economic growth. This could lead to reduced employment rates, ultimately impacting Canada’s mortgage market.
However, it’s important to note that various other factors, including changes in the Canadian economy, government policies, and global economic trends, impact the Canadian mortgage market. Therefore, while changes in US mortgage rates could affect the Canadian mortgage market, it is one of many factors that will impact mortgage rates in Canada.
One thing is clear: US mortgage rates have been trending upward in recent weeks but are still significantly lower than a year ago. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage stood at 3.12% as of mid-March 2023, up from 2.65% at the start of the year but down from 3.33% a year earlier.
While rising mortgage rates may be cause for concern for some homebuyers, it’s worth noting that they are still historically low. Even if rates rose significantly from their current levels, they would still be lower than the average rate over the past few decades.
For prospective homebuyers, the most important thing to remember is that mortgage rates are just one factor to consider when purchasing a home. Factors like the overall state of the economy, job market, and housing market should also be considered.
Shopping around for the best mortgage rate and terms is also essential. Many lenders offer a variety of loan products and rates, and it’s worth comparing options to find the one that best fits your financial situation.