September has here, and everyone’s eyes are on the Federal Reserve (the Fed). At their next meeting, it is widely expected that they would lower the Federal Funds Rate, mainly due to recent indications of declining inflation and a sluggish labor market.
Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, said:
“They’re ready to cut, just as long as we don’t get an inflation surprise between now and September, which we won’t.”
But what does this mean for the housing market, and more importantly, for you as a potential homebuyer or seller?
Why a Federal Funds Rate Cut Matters
One of the main variables affecting mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate; other important variables include the state of the economy and geopolitical unpredictability.
Mortgage rates often react when the Federal Reserve lowers the Federal Funds Rate since it indicates what’s going on in the overall economy. Mortgage rates may already be down gradually, even though a single rate cut might not cause a sharp drop in them.
As Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), points out:
“Once the Fed kicks off a rate-cutting cycle, we do expect that mortgage rates will move somewhat lower.”
And any upcoming Federal Funds Rate cut likely won’t be a one-time event. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:
“Generally, the rate-cutting cycle is not one-and-done. Six to eight rounds of rate cuts all through 2025 look likely.”
The Projected Impact on Mortgage Rates
Here’s what experts in the industry project for mortgage rates through 2025. One contributing factor to this ongoing gradual decline is the anticipated cuts from the Fed. The graph below shows the latest forecasts from Fannie Mae, MBA, NAR, and Wells Fargo (see graph below):
So, with recent improvements in inflation and signs of a cooling job market, a Federal Funds Rate cut is likely to lead to a moderate decline in mortgage rates (shown in the dotted lines). Here are two big reasons why that’s good news for both buyers and sellers:
1. It Helps Alleviate the Lock-In Effect
For current homeowners, lower mortgage rates could help ease the lock-in effect. That’s where people feel stuck within their current home because today’s rates are higher than what they locked in when they bought their current house.
If the fear of losing your low-rate mortgage and facing higher costs has kept you out of the market, a slight reduction in rates could make selling a bit more attractive again. However, this isn’t expected to bring a flood of sellers to the market, as many homeowners may still be cautious about giving up their existing mortgage rate.
2. It Should Boost Buyer Activity
For potential homebuyers, any drop in mortgage rates will provide a more inviting housing market. Lower mortgage rates can reduce the overall cost of homeownership, making it more feasible for you if you’ve been waiting to make a move.
What Should You Do?
While a Federal Funds Rate cut is not expected to lead to drastically lower mortgage rates, it will likely contribute to the gradual decrease that’s already happening.
And while the anticipated rate cut represents a positive shift for the future of the housing market, it’s important to consider your options right now. Jacob Channel, Senior Economist at LendingTree, sums it up well:
“Timing the market is basically impossible. If you’re always waiting for perfect market conditions, you’re going to be waiting forever. Buy now only if it’s a good idea for you.”
Bottom Line
The expected Federal Funds Rate cut, driven by improving inflation and slower job growth, will likely have a positive, albeit gradual, impact on mortgage rates. That could help unlock opportunities for you. When you’re ready, connect with a local real estate agent so you’re prepared to take action.
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