Is the Impending 8% Mortgage Rate a Menace to the American Dream?

As we navigate through the economic landscape, a potential storm is brewing that could significantly impact the U.S. housing market.

Experts are warning of a possible surge in mortgage rates, potentially reaching a staggering 8%. This alarming prediction has been linked to the strength of the economy and the actions of the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The current situation is already causing concern. Mortgage rates exceeding 6% deterred many potential homebuyers, particularly those looking to step onto the property ladder for the first time.

The monthly mortgage payment for a median-priced home, based on the prevailing 30-year mortgage rate, skyrocketed from approximately $1,100 per month in January 2019 to over $2,100 today.

If rates were to hit 8%, this figure would rise even further, pushing homeownership out of reach for many Americans.

You can’t make this up:

On July 27th, the Fed said they are no longer forecasting a recession.

Since then, the S&P 500 has lost $1.8 TRILLION in market cap.

Then, on August 4th, JP Morgan said they no longer expect a recession.

Since then, the S&P 500 has lost $1.3 TRILLION… pic.twitter.com/K1HHgMWr4C

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) August 17, 2023

This high-rate environment not only discourages potential buyers but also dissuades existing homeowners from selling.

They face the prospect of relinquishing their low-rate mortgages for higher ones, which could shrink their budgets for purchasing a new home or, worse, leave them unable to find any listings due to the ongoing inventory crunch.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Some buyers, notably baby boomers, who can afford to make all-cash offers, are keeping home prices buoyant. Yet, this silver lining does little to alleviate the broader issue of affordability for most Americans.

The current spread between the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and a 10-year Treasury bond is around 300 basis points, a level typically seen during financial crises such as the Great Recession or the early 1980s recession.

If the 10-year yield continues to rise and the Federal Reserve opts to hike interest rates again, an 8% mortgage rate could become a reality in the near term.

Joe Biden and the Democrats delivered us…

– Record Inflation
– Open Borders
– Racism
– Unsustainable Debt
– Unnecessary Wars
– Corruption
– Stolen Elections
– Recession
– Division and Hate
– Record Crime

You’d have to be a fucking idiot to vote for another democrat.

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) August 13, 2023

The potential impact on the housing market is severe. An 8% mortgage rate could freeze the housing market, leading to fewer buyers and sellers.

However, experts suggest that as long as the job market remains robust, home prices should remain stable, despite a potential decrease in home sales.

The ultimate fate of home prices hinges on the strength of the job market.

While high rates may not cause a significant drop in home prices, as some buyers can still purchase homes with cash, a weakened labor market and rising unemployment could lead to increased foreclosures and downward pressure on home prices.

While consumers seem prepared for 8% rates, few see this as an opportunity to buy.

This article appeared in Conservative Cardinal and has been published here with permission.