Instant Reaction: Mortgage Rates, April 13, 2023

Although slightly, mortgage rates dropped further this week. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 6.27% from 6.28% the previous week. With inflation moving closer to the Fed's 2% target, mortgage rates are expected to decrease further in the coming months, likely below 6% by year's end.

Meanwhile, these falling mortgage rates create opportunities for many buyers. A lower mortgage rate brings down the monthly payment for a home loan. If rates drop to 6%, 3.1 million more households will once again be able to afford to buy the median-priced home compared to the beginning of the year. And, 1 in 3 of these households are younger than 40. Last year, 1 in 5 mortgage purchase originations had a rate higher than 6%.