Looking Back
Take a look at this chart. Comparing July’s conforming mortgage rates to today’s average rates, there’s a 1.5 percent difference in favor of homeowners.
The Proof is in the Pudding
Rate drops like that make big differences in a household budget and improving cash flow. 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
Transparency Being on the Forefront
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.
Where Energy Goes, Results Show
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 Kudos: The Wall Street Journal)
