Could 2% define mortgage rates for the next decade? Mortgage rates have fallen from 12% in the 1980s

Didier Malagies • January 5, 2021

Could 2% define mortgage rates for the next decade?

Mortgage rates have fallen from 12% in the 1980s




The end of 2020 won’t necessarily mean saying goodbye to the favorable 2% mortgage rates that hit historically low levels 16 times over the past 12 months.


In fact, most industry observers believe rates will remain at the same low levels in 2021 as the Federal Reserve uses low rates as a weapon to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.



This means 2021 will still be a good time to purchase or refinance a home, according to Len Kiefer, Freddie Mac‘s deputy chief economist.


“There’s certainly a risk that rates could head higher, but our baseline forecast has them remaining near record lows,” Kiefer said. “In that scenario, the pressure on housing markets will continue and it’s likely that we will continue to see strong house price growth, though perhaps not as red-hot as what we’ve had in recent months.”


Even with interest rates falling more than a full percentage point in 2020, Kiefer said he believes the housing market would have still enjoyed a strong second half of the year absent the record-low rates. But the statistics – record home sales and price growth – would not have been so “eye-poppingly strong,” he said.

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If you’re thinking about refinancing your mortgage, here are five reasons why you might want to act now and reach out to a loan officer.


Presented by: Citi

A double-edged sword may emerge, Kiefer added, as a COVID-19 vaccine arrives – along with possible economic stimulation – but mortgage rates increase.


“We’ve seen the labor market make strong gains since spring, but the pace of recovery waned at the end of 2020,” he said. “We all are looking forward to an end to COVID. It may take a while for the economy to fully recover from the pandemic and associated recession.


“With a vaccine possibly helping to contain the virus, we may see an acceleration in economic growth next year.”


Other experts spoke of political considerations that could change rates as the new year unfolds.

Zillow Economist Matthew Speakman told Yahoo! Finance the possibility of even more fiscal relief, along with important Senate runoff elections in Georgia, could prompt sharper movements in rates going

forward. Realtor.com Senior Economist George Ratiu said first-time buyers could find it challenging to get a good deal on a loan while COVID cases continue to surge.


Despite the economic turmoil that has depressed GDP overall, a huge number of individuals were able to improve their financial situation in 2020 and increase their monthly cash flow, pay off high-interest debt or improve their overall financial situation by refinancing, according to Austin Niemiec


This, along with low interest rates, helped spark the massive homebuying spree agents saw during the year. And the market doesn’t appear to be cooling as 2021 commences, Niemic said.


“I don’t think anyone would have thought that this year, in the middle of a pandemic, home purchases would eclipse the pace from 2019,” he said. “Historically low interest rates played a part in this by offsetting some of the effects of rapidly rising home prices – a trend that doesn’t seem likely to end soon.”


Consider the state of mortgage rates over the last 40 years: In the 1980s, Kiefer noted, 30-year mortgage rates averaged 12%; in the 1990s, they averaged 8%; in the 2000s, they averaged 6%; and in the 2010s, rates averaged around 4%.


Based on the dropping pattern of rates from the 1980s to today, is it possible that 30-year mortgage rates could average 2% in the 2020's


“Even just a year ago, that didn’t seem probable, and it’s certainly not my baseline forecast, but we’d have to acknowledge that there is a chance rates could continue their secular decline,” Kiefer said.

Homeowners should look to upgrade their homes with their increased spending power in 2021, Niemic added. And when rates return to a more normalized level, look for consumers to continue home shopping, he said

“Going into the new year, we hope to see growth in the economy thanks to the success of the latest COVID-19 vaccines and another stimulus package from the government,” Niemic said. “Mortgage rates are impacted by the economy, so they will only rise when overall growth supports an increase.”


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What happens when the Feds drop the rates

By Didier Malagies • July 14, 2025
📉 1. Borrowing Becomes Cheaper Mortgage rates tend to fall, making it easier for people to buy homes or refinance. Car loans, personal loans, and credit cards may also have lower interest rates. Businesses can borrow more cheaply to invest in growth. 💸 2. Consumer Spending Increases Since borrowing is cheaper and savings earn less interest, people are more likely to spend money rather than save it. This can boost demand for goods and services, helping to stimulate economic activity. 🏦 3. Savings Yield Less Savings accounts, CDs, and bonds typically offer lower returns. This can push investors to move money into riskier assets like stocks or real estate in search of higher returns. 📈 4. Stock Market Often Rallies Lower rates can mean higher corporate profits (due to cheaper debt) and increased consumer spending. Investors may shift funds from bonds into stocks, driving up equity prices. 💵 5. The U.S. Dollar May Weaken Lower interest rates can make the dollar less attractive to foreign investors, potentially weakening the currency. This can help U.S. exporters (as their goods become cheaper abroad) but may also increase the cost of imports. 🧩 6. Inflation Could Rise More spending and borrowing can increase demand, which may push prices up, leading to higher inflation—especially if supply can’t keep up. 🏚️ 7. Real Estate Activity Tends to Pick Up Lower mortgage rates can boost homebuying, refinancing, and construction, which helps stimulate related industries. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329 

Why mortgage purchase apps are on a 22-week growth streak

By Didier Malagies • July 8, 2025
Mortgage purchase applications are on a 22-week growth streak primarily due to a combination of improving market conditions, seasonal trends, and changing consumer behavior. Here's a breakdown of the key reasons behind the sustained growth: 🔑 1. Falling Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates have been gradually declining from the highs seen in 2023. Even small drops in interest rates significantly improve affordability, prompting more buyers to apply for loans. Borrowers are locking in rates with the hope that they’ve hit a local low. 🏡 2. Pent-Up Demand from 2023 Many potential buyers delayed purchases during 2023 due to high rates and limited inventory. As conditions improve, backlogged demand is being released into the market. 🌞 3. Spring & Summer Buying Season The U.S. housing market typically sees a seasonal increase in purchase activity starting in spring and continuing through summer. Families prefer to move during school breaks, contributing to more applications in this window. 💼 4. Improved Inventory Levels While still tight, housing inventory has started to improve slightly in some regions. Builders are offering incentives and new constructions are increasing, drawing more buyers into the market. 📈 5. Confidence in the Economy A strong labor market and steady wage growth are boosting consumer confidence , encouraging people to buy homes. Some buyers are moving before potential rate hikes or home price increases . 💡 6. Shift Toward Homeownership Rising rents and lifestyle changes post-pandemic are pushing many toward owning rather than renting . First-time homebuyers are a large portion of this demand. Summary:  The 22-week growth streak in mortgage purchase applications is being driven by lower mortgage rates, seasonal buying trends, improved inventory, and returning buyer confidence . While challenges like affordability and supply remain, these positive signals suggest a slow but steady rebound in the housing market .

What about all the disclosures I get during the loan process

By Didier Malagies • July 7, 2025
During the mortgage process, several disclosure documents are provided to help you understand the terms of the loan, your rights, and the costs involved. These disclosures are required by law and are designed to promote transparency and protect you as a borrower. Here’s a breakdown of the key disclosures you'll receive: 1. Loan Estimate (LE) When: Within 3 business days of submitting a loan application. Purpose: Provides a summary of the loan terms, estimated interest rate, monthly payment, closing costs, and other fees. Key sections: Loan terms (rate, type, prepayment penalty, balloon payment) Projected payments (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) Costs at closing (origination charges, services you can/cannot shop for) Why it matters: Lets you compare offers from multiple lenders. 2. Closing Disclosure (CD) When: At least 3 business days before closing. Purpose: Provides final details of the mortgage loan, including actual costs. Key sections: Final loan terms (rate, payments, closing costs) Cash to close (how much you need to bring to closing) A detailed breakdown of costs and payments over time Why it matters: Helps you confirm everything is accurate before you close. 3. Mortgage Servicing Disclosure Statement When: Within 3 business days of application. Purpose: Explains whether your loan might be sold or transferred to another company for servicing. Why it matters: Tells you who will manage your payments and account. 4. Affiliated Business Arrangement (AfBA) Disclosure When: At the time of referral to an affiliated business (e.g., title company). Purpose: Discloses any relationships between the lender and other service providers and explains you’re not required to use them. Why it matters: Ensures you know if there’s a potential conflict of interest. 5. Home Loan Toolkit (for purchase loans) When: Within 3 business days of application. Purpose: A consumer-friendly booklet from the CFPB that explains the mortgage process, costs, and how to shop for a loan. Why it matters: Helps first-time buyers understand the steps and choices. 6. Right to Receive a Copy of Appraisal When: Within 3 business days of application. Purpose: Notifies you that you can get a copy of the appraisal at no additional cost. Why it matters: Gives you insight into the value of the home you’re buying or refinancing. 7. Initial Escrow Disclosure When: At or within 45 days of closing. Purpose: Details amounts to be collected in escrow for taxes and insurance. Why it matters: Shows how your monthly mortgage payment is allocated. 8. Notice of Right to Rescind (for refinances only) When: At closing (for primary residence refinances). Purpose: Gives you 3 business days to cancel the refinance loan. Why it matters: Protects you from making a rushed decision. tune in and learn at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog Didier Malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
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