Mortgage Rates Today: March 22, 2024, Market Reacts to FOMC Meeting- Rates Drop Across the Board

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This week’s mortgage rate update brings significant insights following the recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. While the Fed’s decision to maintain steady interest rates may seem like business as usual, the market’s response reveals a deeper narrative of opportunity and caution.

Market Response to the FOMC Meeting:

Despite the Fed’s decision to keep rates steady, the market reacted positively, with rates dropping approximately 0.25% across the board from last week. This shift towards 30-day lows signals a sense of optimism among investors and borrowers alike. The prospect of three rate cuts by the end of 2025 has injected confidence into the real estate sector, creating opportunities for both homebuyers and homeowners.

Implications for Homebuyers:

For prospective homebuyers, the decline in mortgage rates presents increased affordability and purchasing power. Lower rates mean lower monthly mortgage payments, making homeownership more attainable for many individuals and families. As rates approach recent lows, now may be an opportune moment for aspiring homeowners to enter the market and secure favorable financing options.

Exploring Refinancing Opportunities:

Existing homeowners can also benefit from the current rate environment by exploring favorable refinancing options. With rates dropping, homeowners have the opportunity to lower their monthly mortgage payments, reduce the total interest paid over the life of the loan, or even access equity through cash-out refinancing. By refinancing at lower rates, homeowners can potentially save thousands of dollars over the term of their mortgage.

Looking Ahead:

As we look ahead to the coming weeks, it’s important to monitor market trends and upcoming events that may influence mortgage rates. Real estate markets can shift rapidly in response to various economic factors, geopolitical events, and policy changes. While the recent FOMC meeting provided insights into the Fed’s monetary policy outlook, future developments, such as economic data releases and geopolitical tensions, could impact interest rates in unforeseen ways.

This week’s mortgage rate update offers valuable insights into the state of the real estate market following the FOMC meeting and the Fed’s decisions. While the decision to maintain steady interest rates may have initially seemed uneventful, the subsequent market response underscores the potential for opportunity amidst uncertainty. Whether you’re a prospective homebuyer or an existing homeowner, understanding the implications of these developments can help you navigate the mortgage rate landscape with confidence and clarity.

Product Rate Last Week Change
30-year fixed 6.124% 6.49% ⇩ 0.366
15-year fixed 5.49% 5.99% ⇩ 0.5
30-year fixed with $1,500 lender credit 6.625% 6.99% ⇩ 0.365
30-year FHA with $1,500 lender credit 6.249% 6.625% ⇩ 0.376
30-year FHA 5.74% 6.249% ⇩0.509
30-year VA 5.99% 6.249% ⇩0.259

DISCLAIMER: ALL LOANS ARE SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL. INTEREST RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAILY AND WITHOUT NOTICE. CURRENT INTEREST RATES SHOWN ARE INDICATIVE OF MARKET CONDITIONS AND INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS AND WILL VARY UPON YOUR LOCK-IN PERIOD, LOAN TYPE, CREDIT SCORE, LOAN TO VALUE, PURPOSE, AND LENDING SOURCE.

 

30-year fixed-rate mortgages

Presently, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage sits at 6.124%, reflecting a decrease of 36.6 basis points from the preceding week. Despite its interest rate being higher than that of the 15-year mortgage, the 30-year option is favored by many buyers for its advantage of providing more budget-friendly monthly payments.

15-year fixed-rate mortgages

The current interest rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is 5.49%, showcasing a drop of 50 basis points from the week prior. Choosing a 15-year mortgage enables borrowers to pay back their loan repayment quicker compared to the 30-year option. While this leads to increased monthly payments, it substantially diminishes the total interest paid over the loan’s duration.

30-year fixed-rate with a $1,500 lender credit

A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a $1,500 lender credit offers borrowers the stability of a fixed interest rate over a long loan term, along with financial assistance from the lender to offset some of the upfront costs associated with obtaining the mortgage. The current interest rate stands at 6.625%, 36.5 basis point lower than last week.

 

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