Summary
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate recently dropped to 5.99%, marking the lowest level in over two years. This decrease in mortgage rates follows a decline in the 10-year Treasury yield and offers some buying power back to homebuyers, although high home prices still pose challenges.
Key Facts
- The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is now 5.99%, the lowest since September 2022.
- The rate drop follows a decrease in the 10-year Treasury yield.
- Factors like a softer-than-expected Consumer Price Index and optimistic jobs report contributed to the Treasury yield decline.
- Current mortgage rates increase homebuyer purchasing power by $8,000 since the start of the year.
- A buyer with a $3,000 monthly budget can afford a $479,750 home at the current rate.
- Homebuyers' monthly payments have decreased compared to when rates were higher.
- Buyers still face high home prices and need an estimated $111,000 annual income to afford a typical home.
- Despite the rate drop, the housing market remains challenging due to high prices and limited inventory.
