The Federal Reserve Interest Rate Hike: What Buyers Need to Know

- Higher Mortgage Rates: With the interest rate increase, mortgage rates are likely to follow suit. Buyers who were considering purchasing a home in the near future may want to act fast to secure a lower interest rate before they climb even higher. Waiting could mean a difference of thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.
- Affordability Concerns: As interest rates rise, the affordability of homes can be impacted. Monthly mortgage payments will increase, and for some buyers, this could push their budget to the limit. Getting pre-approved now and locking in a lower interest rate can give you a competitive edge in today’s market.
- Refinancing Considerations: For current homeowners, the interest rate hike may impact your decision to refinance. If you were planning to refinance to a lower rate, you might want to act quickly before rates rise further.
- Mortgage Qualification: Higher interest rates may also affect your mortgage qualification amount. Lenders use interest rates to determine how much they are willing to lend you, and a higher rate could mean you qualify for a lower loan amount.
- Market Competition: With rising rates, there may be an increase in market competition as buyers rush to lock in lower rates. This could lead to bidding wars and a more challenging homebuying process.
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