October 5, 2023
Mortgage rates maintained their upward trajectory as the 10-year Treasury yield, a key benchmark, climbed. Several factors, including shifts in inflation, the job market and uncertainty around the Federal Reserve’s next move, are contributing to the highest mortgage rates in a generation. Unsurprisingly, this is pulling back homebuyer demand.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
For Week Ending September 23, 2023
New-home construction recently fell to a 3-year low, as higher mortgage rates take their toll on homebuilders, impacting affordability and causing production to slow. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, housing starts dropped 11.3% from the previous month, led by a decline in multi-family construction. Although starts fell more than economists predicted, building permits increased over the same period, rising 6.9% from the previous month.
IN THE TWIN CITIES REGION, FOR THE WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 23:
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST:
All comparisons are to 2022
Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From MAAR Market Data News.
September 28, 2023
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has hit the highest level since the year 2000. However, unlike the turn of the millennium, house prices today are rising alongside mortgage rates, primarily due to low inventory. These headwinds are causing both buyers and sellers to hold out for better circumstances.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
For Week Ending September 16, 2023
Single-family homes are shrinking, as U.S. homebuilders respond to increased demand for smaller, more affordable homes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, median single-family square floor area declined 2.9% to 2,191 square feet in the second quarter of 2023, the lowest reading since 2010. Single-family home size increased briefly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has been decreasing steadily since the third quarter of 2022, as housing affordability conditions continue to impact buyer purchasing power.
IN THE TWIN CITIES REGION, FOR THE WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16:
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST:
All comparisons are to 2022
Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From MAAR Market Data News.
September 21, 2023
Mortgage rates continue to linger above seven percent as the Federal Reserve paused their interest rate hikes. Given these high rates, housing demand is cooling off and now homebuilders are feeling the effect. Builder sentiment declined for the first time in several months and construction levels have dipped to a three-year low, which could have an impact on the already low housing supply.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified.