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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 18th, 2024

Last week’s inflation data came in at a higher rate than expected, with Price Producer Index (PPI) numbers showing more than double the expected inflation gain.

With both CPI and PPI being over the target, the steadfast certainty that the Federal Reserve will cut rates has now taken a step back, resulting in more tamed expectations for the near future.

With a mixed response from lending partners, this may end up rapidly changing in the next round of discussions with the Federal Reserve’s Chairman Jerome Powell this coming week, as well as a final rate decision.

Consumer Price Index

Consumer prices matched the biggest increase in February in five months, leaving the yearly rate of inflation above 3% a week before the Federal Reserve meets again to consider when to cut interest rates. The consumer price index climbed 0.4% last month, the government said, largely because of higher gas prices and housing costs. It was the largest increase since last September.

Price Producer Index

The biggest increase in wholesale costs since last summer is the latest in a string of readings that suggest inflation might not slow quickly toward the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal. The producer-price index jumped 0.6% in February, the government said Thursday. The increase matched the largest gain since last August. This was double the expected 0.3% projections.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

• 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease by -0.06% with the current rate at 6.16%
• 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease by -0.14% with the current rate at 6.74%

MND Rate Index

• 30-Yr FHA rates are seeing a +0.22% increase for this week. Current rates at 6.60%
• 30-Yr VA rates are seeing a +0.22% increase for this week. Current rates at 6.62%

Jobless Claims

Initial Claims were reported to be 209,000 compared to the expected claims of 218,000. The prior week landed at 210,000.

What’s Ahead

The Federal Reserve Rate Decision will be the most important aspect of this coming week, as well as talks with other Federal Reserve board members  as whether there is a rate cut or not will help decide where many markets will be headed for the next quarter.

Maximizing Your Home Improvement Budget

Many homeowners seek to enhance their living spaces while adding value to their properties. However, numerous home improvement initiatives often come with exorbitant price tags, reaching six figures for extensive renovation projects. Nonetheless, there exist cost-effective alternatives that homeowners can explore.

What are some of the top considerations for homeowners?

Invest in Quality Ceiling Fans:

The installation of high-quality ceiling fans represents a prudent investment for homeowners. Beyond mere aesthetics, ceiling fans play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal indoor comfort levels throughout the year. Energy Star-certified models not only contribute to energy efficiency but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainable living practices. By strategically positioning ceiling fans between 7 and 8 feet above the floor, homeowners can optimize air circulation and temperature regulation within their living spaces. Despite the advanced features and energy-saving capabilities of modern ceiling fans, their affordability renders them an accessible upgrade for homeowners seeking to enhance both comfort and energy efficiency.

Plant Trees in the Yard:

The strategic planting of trees offers multifaceted benefits for homeowners and their properties. In addition to enhancing the visual appeal of the landscape, trees serve as natural barriers against soil erosion and environmental elements. Furthermore, by providing shade and wind protection, trees contribute to the reduction of energy consumption, particularly during hot summer months. As trees mature over time, they not only augment the aesthetic value of the property but also increase its market desirability and resale potential. Despite the initial investment associated with tree planting initiatives, the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings and property value appreciation far outweigh the upfront costs.

Upgrade Home Insulation:

Often overlooked, the quality of home insulation significantly impacts energy efficiency and utility costs. While not as visually striking as a kitchen or bathroom overhaul, enhancing insulation levels can yield substantial savings. Regularly assessing insulation quality enables homeowners to identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction. Allocating resources to insulation upgrades is a prudent investment in long-term energy efficiency and financial savings.

By implementing these strategies, homeowners can elevate their living environments while concurrently increasing property values, all within reasonable budgets.

Escaping the Rent Trap: Building Equity through Homeownership

Are you tired of pouring your hard-earned money into rent payments every month, only to see it vanish into thin air? Have you ever considered that homeownership might be the key to escaping the rent trap and building wealth for your future? We will explore how homeownership can be a powerful wealth-building tool compared to renting.

Building Equity: The Foundation of Wealth

One of the most compelling reasons to consider homeownership is the opportunity to build equity. Unlike renting, where your monthly payments simply cover the cost of living in a property owned by someone else, each mortgage payment you make as a homeowner contributes to your ownership stake in your home. Over time, this equity can grow substantially, serving as a valuable asset that can be leveraged in various ways, such as through home equity loans or lines of credit.

Stability and Predictability

Rent prices can fluctuate unpredictably, leaving renters vulnerable to sudden increases that strain their budgets. In contrast, homeownership offers stability and predictability in housing costs. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments remain consistent throughout the life of the loan, providing a sense of financial security and allowing for better long-term planning.

Investing in Your Future

When you rent, you’re essentially helping your landlord build wealth through their property investments. However, by becoming a homeowner, you shift from being a renter to being an investor in your own future. Every mortgage payment brings you one step closer to full ownership of your home, giving you a valuable asset that can appreciate over time and serve as a foundation for financial stability and growth.

Tax Benefits

Homeownership also comes with significant tax benefits that can further enhance its wealth-building potential. Mortgage interest and property tax payments are often tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income and potentially resulting in substantial savings come tax time. These deductions can help offset the costs of homeownership and provide additional financial flexibility.

Legacy and Generational Wealth

Beyond its immediate financial benefits, homeownership can also be a means of creating a lasting legacy for future generations. By owning property, you have the opportunity to pass down wealth and assets to your children and grandchildren, providing them with a solid foundation for their own financial futures.

While renting may offer short-term flexibility, homeownership stands out as a powerful wealth-building tool with numerous long-term advantages. By investing in a home of your own, you’re not just paying for shelter – you’re investing in your future, building equity, and laying the groundwork for a more secure and prosperous financial life. So why wait? Take the first step towards escaping the rent trap and building equity through homeownership today.