Mortgage rates increased for five straight weeks and held above 6.5% for two weeks, according to Freddie Mac data. On June 4, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate finally decreased by five basis points to 6.48%.
For the most part, the 30-year rate has been dropping daily, according to Mortgage News Daily’s rate index. Beginning May 20, rates had fallen or held steady with the exception of just two days. As of June 4, MND’s 30-year mortgage rate was 6.58%.
Mortgage rates may be decreasing, but they’re still in the 6.5% range. This leaves hopeful homebuyers with a crucial decision: Should they purchase property during this home-buying season? Or should they wait for rates to go down so their monthly payments will be more affordable?
In my decade of reporting on mortgage rates, I’ve seen how much any rate movement can affect buyer sentiment. Current rates are tricky — they’ve inched down, but they’re still higher than most people had expected for this spring and summer.
“For now, this leaves mortgage rates in a somewhat balanced but uncertain spot,” Jeff DerGurahian, Chief Investment Officer and Head Economist at loanDepot, said in statement. “We’re seeing some of this play out in the housing market, where buyers are still interested but taking a bit of a wait-and-see approach.”
Will mortgage rates keep decreasing?
Mortgage rates have inched down largely due to optimism that the U.S. and Iran will reach a peace agreement.
“There is a proposed agreement in place, but it still needs sign-off from both sides, and the market is reacting to that uncertainty,” DerGurahian said. “If progress continues, rates could keep moving lower. But if things stall or fall apart, rates could jump higher again pretty quickly.”
So, mortgage rates could continue to fall — but only if the global geopolitical situation improves. As far as economic factors go, there isn’t much reason to believe rates will decrease significantly.
Related: Fannie Mae makes bold housing market prediction
The Federal Reserve will announce its decision about any change to the federal funds rate on June 10. It’s almost certain that the central bank will hold its current rate, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
“From a policy standpoint, the Fed is still expected to stay on hold for now, but the conversation has shifted somewhat,” DerGurahian said. “There is a growing sense that a hike may be more likely than a cut if inflation continues to hold up and the economy stays resilient.”
The Fed may not increase its rate at the June meeting, but sentiment about an upcoming hike could push mortgage rates higher.
The decision on whether to wait for lower mortgage rates
Hoping for lower mortgage rates before the 2026 home-buying season ends? You may be left disappointed. The question for renters who were planning to buy this summer is: Should you still buy, or should you wait?
You could hold off until later in the year. Or even until the 2027 home-buying season. But attempting to time the real estate market is a risky — and often fruitless — game.
“There’s no telling if rates or the market will be more buyer-friendly later this year or in 2027,” Corey Burr, Senior Vice President at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, told TheStreet. “I’m telling my buyer clients to line up their financing and enjoy the house searching process. The market is much more buyer friendly than it was during the Covid market.”
More on mortgages and mortgage rates:
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- Latest housing data points to relief for homebuyers
It’s true. For a few years, the U.S. housing market heavily favored sellers. Now, the market is self-correcting. All-cash offers have decreased, making it easier for buyers who need financing to compete for a house. Home prices are no longer soaring, and some areas are even buyer’s markets.
Burr told TheStreet that in his 38 years working in the real estate industry, clients have given him numerous reasons they’re worried it’s a bad time to buy a house. These range from high mortgage rates to fears of an upcoming recession to rising home prices. It’s never a “perfect” time to buy a house.
“In retrospect, it would have made sense to buy at nearly every moment in every living person in America’s lifetime,” Burr said.
Key takeaways for potential homebuyers
Mortgage rates are decreasing … but still relatively high. If you’re hoping to buy a home soon, here are some crucial things to know.
- Rates aren’t as high as you think. “Even with rates in the mid-6% range, that level is not too different than the median interest rate over the past 40 years,” Burr said. The average 30-year rate since 1971 is actually 7.69%, according to Freddie Mac, more than 1% higher than the current rate.
- Think about building equity. Housing values generally increase over time, giving you years to build home equity. The longer you wait to buy a home, the longer you’re waiting to accumulate wealth through real estate. And if you’re holding off simply due to high rates, remember that there’s no guarantee that rates will be better in a year or two.
- You can always refinance. Let’s say mortgage rates are drastically lower in a couple of years. (Man, I hope that’s the case!) If so, you can refinance into a better interest rate.
- Consider ARMs. “Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) can make sense for some borrowers, since they offer lower initial rates and can help make monthly payments more manageable,” DerGurahian said. Ask mortgage lenders about their adjustable versus fixed rates so you can find the best deal.
Related: Fannie Mae forecasts change in mortgage rates, housing market
