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How Today’s Mortgage Rates Impact Home Affordability
February 5, 2009 by James K Barath, CMPS · Leave a Comment
Comparing July’s conforming mortgage rates to today’s average rates, there’s a 1.5 percent difference in favor of homeowners.
Rate drops like that make big differences in a household budget. Look at these before-and-after payments, based on rates from the chart:
$150,000 mortgage ($144 savings/month)
- July 2008: $958 monthly
- February 2009: $814 monthly
$250,000 mortgage ($240 savings/month)
- July 2008: $1,597 monthly
- February 2009: $1,357 monthly
$350,000 mortgage ($335 savings/month)
- July 2008: $2,235 monthly
- February 2009: $1,900 monthly
Of course, the other side of the story is that while mortgage rates fell in late-2008, the mandatory lender fees that accompanied them rose. That lessened some of the benefits of getting lower rates, but certainly not all of them.
According to recent housing data, buyers are back writing contracts and listed homes are selling quickly. Considering how mortgage rates have led monthly payments lower, maybe it shouldn’t be much of a surprise.
(Image courtesy: The Wall Street Journal)
About the Author: James K Barath is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, qualified liability advisor and your FHA Home Loan Expert. He is also a graduate of Purdue University, The CMPS Institute, Dale Carnegie Human Relations Course & Napoleon Hill Foundation's PMA Science of Success Class. It's your home and your future. It's his profession and his passion. He is ready to work for your best interest. Contact James Barath today for your Borrow Smart Analysis - the CALM Approach to Borrowing ! His Motto: I Facilitate the American Dream Through Responsible Mortgage Lending and Financial Literacy! 