Housing Market Hope: Why 2024 Could Be Your Year to Buy

Mortgage rates are experiencing a slight decline, with 14 states offering 30-year rates at 7.5% for buyers with credit scores between 700 to 719. 

This marks an increase from just one state offering rates at this level the previous week. 

Th states include GA, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, SC, TN, and WV.

The average mortgage rate is down from a high of 7.61% in November but still near the highest since 2000.

 Mortgage applications fell 0.3% the week of November 24th, indicating buyer caution.

New home sales in October were 5.6% below September but 17.7% above October 2022.

AK, AZ, CO, HI, ID, ME, MN, NM, OR, RI, TX, WA, and WI have the highest rates (7.63% or 7.75%).

Economist Ellen Zentner from Morgan Stanley predicts housing market affordability to improve in 2024 due to increased inventory from stronger homebuilding activity. 

Economist Ellen Zentner from Morgan Stanley predicts housing market affordability to improve in 2024 due to increased inventory from stronger homebuilding activity. 

Zentner anticipates a modest decline in home prices as inventory growth balances the rising demand. 

Morgan Stanley forecasts potential rate cuts by mid-2024, aiming to address inflation and potentially create a more balanced and accessible housing market.