Mortgage Interest Rates Today, September 2, 2024 | Rates Dropped A Lot In August. Will They Go Down Further?

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Average 30-year mortgage rates were around 6.05% in August, according to Zillow data. This is 40 basis points down from the previous month. In the last week, rates have been hovering just under 6%. 

Rates fell last month in response to cooling economic data, including the most recent jobs report, which showed that the labor market slowed more than expected in July. This boosted market expectations that the Federal Reserve will start lowering the federal funds rate soon.

Later this week, we’ll get a look at how the labor market trended in August. Though the Fed is already expected to lower rates at its meeting later this month, this latest jobs report could raise the odds that central bankers will opt for a more aggressive half-point rate cut, as opposed to the typical quarter-point decrease.

As the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, mortgage rates are likely to ease. But how much they go down depends on the timing and size of the Fed’s cuts, as well as the strength of the overall economy.

Today’s mortgage rates

Today’s refinance rates

Mortgage Calculator

Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today’s interest rates will affect your monthly payments:

By clicking on “More details,” you’ll also see how much you’ll pay over the entire length of your mortgage, including how much goes toward the principal vs. interest.

Mortgage Rate Projection for 2024

Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and increased dramatically in 2022 and throughout most of 2023.

Now that inflation has decelerated and a Fed cut is looking more likely, mortgage rates have trended down. In the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index rose by 2.9%. This is a significant slowdown compared to when it peaked at 9.1% in 2022. So mortgage rates could soon fall further. 

For homeowners looking to leverage their home’s value to cover a big purchase — such as a home renovation — a home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be a good option while we wait for mortgage rates to ease. Check out some of our best HELOC lenders to start your search for the right loan for you.

A HELOC is a line of credit that lets you borrow against the equity in your home. It works similarly to a credit card in that you borrow what you need rather than getting the full amount you’re borrowing in a lump sum. It also lets you tap into the money you have in your home without replacing your entire mortgage, like you’d do with a cash-out refinance.

Current HELOC rates are relatively low compared to other loan options, including credit cards and personal loans. 

When Will House Prices Come Down?

We aren’t likely to see home prices drop this year. In fact, they’ll probably rise.

Fannie Mae researchers expect prices to increase 6.1% in 2024 and 3.0% in 2025, while the Mortgage Bankers Association expects a 4.1% increase in 2024 and a 2.9% increase in 2025.

Sky high mortgage rates have pushed many hopeful buyers out of the market, slowing homebuying demand and putting downward pressure on home prices. But rates have since eased, removing some of that pressure. The current supply of homes is also historically low, which will likely push prices up.

What Happens to House Prices in a Recession?

House prices usually drop during a recession, but not always. When it does happen, it’s generally because fewer people can afford to purchase homes, and the low demand forces sellers to lower their prices.

How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?

A mortgage calculator like the one above can help you determine how much house you can afford. Play around with different home prices and down payment amounts to see how much your monthly payment could be, and think about how that fits in with your overall budget.

Typically, experts recommend spending no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing expenses. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn’t exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

The lower your rate, the more you’ll be able to borrow, so shop around and get preapproved with multiple mortgage lenders to see who can offer you the best rate. But remember not to borrow more than what your budget can comfortably handle.