Are Mortgage Rates Dropping?: Explaining What’s Happening to Interest Rates in 2024

The short answer to the question “Are mortgage rates dropping?” is yes. On August 5th, daily average 30-year fixed mortgage rates dropped to 6.43% which is the lowest since April 2023. For home buyers, this poses a great opportunity to enter the market after over a year of record-high mortgage rates. 

So if you’re beginning to look for homes for sale in Seattle, WA after renting an apartment or renting a house in the city or elsewhere in the U.S., now may be a good time to buy. Read on to learn more and make the decision for yourself.

Are mortgage rates dropping right now?

Today’s mortgage rates are influenced by investor expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s actions. Investors believe the Fed has finished its efforts to control inflation and anticipate a gradual decrease in mortgage rates for the rest of the year. 

Although the Fed is poised to cut interest rates in the next month, economists do not foresee a significant drop in mortgage rates beyond current levels, as today’s rates already account for the expected interest rate cuts projected for September.

Deciding between renting or buying your next home? Explore your options.

Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.

Deciding between renting or buying your next home?

Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.

Why are mortgage rates so high?

Mortgage rates in the U.S. are influenced by various factors, including inflation, Federal Reserve policies, and economic conditions. Currently, rates remain high due to persistent inflation and the Federal Reserve’s efforts to curb it through interest rate hikes. 

While some experts predict that rates could stabilize or slightly decrease if inflation continues to cool, significant drops in mortgage rates are not expected in the immediate future. The Federal Reserve has signaled that it may maintain higher interest rates for an extended period to ensure inflation is controlled, which will likely keep mortgage rates elevated in the near term. However, potential economic slowdowns or shifts in Fed policy could eventually create conditions for lower rates, but this may take time.

What will cause interest rates to drop?

With skyrocketing prices over the past few years spurred on by low supply of homes and record-low mortgage rates, many home buyers are wondering what signs to look for when entering the market.

The obvious answer is an announced decrease in interest rates, but there are other signs to look for, including declining home sales, a weakening job market, and cooling inflation. When inflation is high, the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates to combat it. Conversely, the decline of inflation will often result in the Fed easing up on rate hikes and reducing rates.    

Should I lock in the mortgage rate today?

Deciding whether to lock in today’s mortgage rate depends on several factors, including your financial situation, risk tolerance, and the current market outlook. If you are comfortable with the current rate and your budget can accommodate it, locking in now can provide certainty and protect you from potential future rate increases, especially since rates remain volatile and could rise further. 

However, if you anticipate that rates might drop soon based on economic forecasts or if you’re willing to take on some risk, you could choose to float the rate instead. Consulting with a mortgage advisor who understands your specific needs can also provide personalized guidance tailored to your situation.

At what point does it make sense to refinance?

While rates are unlikely to drop enough in the near future to make refinancing a home loan worth it, it’s smart to know what to look out for if you’re worried you’ll miss out. To determine if it’s a good time to refinance your home loan, consider refinancing when current rates are significantly lower than your existing rate, typically by at least 0.5% to 1%, as this can lead to substantial savings. 

Improving your credit score, increasing home equity, or switching from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage can also make refinancing appealing. Additionally, calculating your break-even point — when the savings outweigh the costs of refinancing — will help you decide if it’s worth it, especially if you plan to stay in your home long enough to benefit from the lower rate.

Final thoughts

If you’re in a financial situation where you can purchase a home, now is the right time before competition catches up. Although interest rates may continue to drop, lower mortgage rates means more competition in the market which could result in higher prices.