What Is Fed Rate Hike? How Does It Impact You?

After adjusting for core inflation, the Fed raised its 2024 forecast for annual inflation to 2.8%, up from 2.6%. This recent increase in Fed rates impacts both buyers and sellers.

This means longer wait times between offers and possible pressure on sellers’ prices. Whereas, buyers may face affordability challenges and a tougher home search.

The Fed, is like the US central bank, changing the federal funds rate, or interest rate. It can affect the cost of borrowing across the whole economy. While a rate hike can tackle inflation, it can also slow down economic growth.

What Is a Fed Rate Hike?

A Federal Reserve bank increase in the federal funds rate is known as a Fed rate hike. Banks lend reserve balances to each other overnight. The interest rate they charge on these short-term loans is known as the federal funds rate.

This makes banks less likely to lend, which raises the cost of borrowing for both homebuyers and businesses. The primary objective of the Federal Reserve when it raises interest rates is to reduce inflation by slowing down economic growth. 

How Does the Fed Rate Hike Affect Mortgage Rates?

Inflation, job growth, and overall economic health all shape mortgage rates.

• Costlier Borrowing: When the Fed hikes the Fed Funds Rate, mortgage interest rates may also rise.

• Effect on Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): When the fed funds rate fluctuates, ARMs are directly affected and may see an increase in monthly payments.

• Impact on Fixed-Rate Mortgages: While the fed funds rate doesn’t directly dictate mortgage rates, market fluctuations can still influence them.

Note: The Federal Reserve does not directly determine mortgage rates. Fed rate hikes can indirectly impact mortgage rates through bond purchases and by influencing overall borrowing costs.

How Does the Fed Rate Hike Affect Home Buyers?

Fed rate hikes have a big effect on home buyers because they make it more expensive to borrow money for a mortgage. Here’s how:

• Increased Mortgage Rates: Whenever the Federal Reserve system hikes the federal funds rate, mortgage rates typically follow suit. This implies that you will pay a higher interest rate on your mortgage loan.

• Diminished Buying Power: The monthly payment for an equivalent loan amount rises in price as interest rates rise. Your purchasing power may be lowered as a result, allowing you to get a smaller loan and a less expensive home. 

• Slower Housing Market: As fewer people can afford to buy, higher rates may cause the housing market to slow down. This may result in less competition for homes, but if you are selling, it may also take longer to find a buyer.

How Does the Fed Rate Hike Affect Home Sellers?

Fed rate increases can affect home sellers in two ways, affecting demand and possibly even prices. 

• Higher Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates rise as a result of Fed rate hikes. This restricts the amount of a loan that certain prospective buyers can qualify for or discourages them from entering the market.
• Lower Demand, Potentially Lower Prices: Fewer homebuyers due to higher borrowing costs could put downward pressure on house prices.

How Can the Fed Rate Hike Affect Your Refinance Plans?

The following effects of the Fed rate hike could affect refinancing plans:

• Increased Interest Rates: When the Federal Reserve hikes the Fed Funds Rate, it may result in higher mortgage rates, which could limit the amount of money you can save by refinancing.

• Decreased Refinancing Activity: Higher rates might hinder homeowners from applying for a refinance, which would lead to a drop in opportunities and applications.

• Analyzing Cost Savings: Before choosing to refinance, it is crucial to evaluate the possible cost savings and compare them against any related closing costs.

How Can a Mortgage Rate Lock Help When Rates Are Rising?

The mortgage lender will determine this. Once the borrower is preapproved, some lenders provide a mortgage rate lock with just the address of a potential home. Although 30-day and 60-day rate locks are common, longer options may be available. It all depends on what the mortgage lender offers.

When interest rates are rising, a mortgage rate lock may be advantageous in the following situations: 

• Protection of Rates: A rate lock ensures the interest rate at the time of locking. This protects you from any rate hikes that might occur while the loan is being processed.

• Budget Certainty: With a locked rate that is unaffected by future rate increases, you can precisely plan your monthly mortgage payment.

• Comfort: Knowing that your interest rate is fixed, regardless of changes in market rates, is one of the benefits of having a rate lock.

What Is the General Housing Market Outlook?

The latest national survey of large lenders shows the average rate on a 30-year mortgage was 7.05% as of April 3, 2024. The general housing market outlook is as follows:

• High Demand: A desire for homeownership, low mortgage rates, and demographic trends are some of the reasons contributing to the housing market’s ongoing strong demand.

• Restricted Inventory: There are fewer properties on the market, which puts buyers in a more competitive position.

• Rising Costs: In many places, rising home prices are the result of a shortage of supply and strong demand.

• Growth to Continue: Despite these obstacles, the housing market’s general outlook is favorable, and growth is anticipated to continue soon.

Fed Rate Hike 2024 Update

To bring the federal funds rate down to 4.6% by the end of 2024, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) projected making three quarter-point cuts.

In 2024, the Fed predicts an interest rate reduction of 75 basis points, anticipated to occur in three installments of 25 basis points each. Similarly, interest rates are predicted to drop by 75 basis points in 2025 and 2026.

Bottom Line

Rate increases by the Federal Reserve may have two effects on the housing market. Mortgage payments for homeowners will increase, which might force them out of some price ranges. Conversely, sellers might experience a decline in interest from buyers and might have to modify their asking prices.

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