Mortgage rates in the US rose for the fourth consecutive week, with the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage reaching 6.54%, up from 6.44% the previous week, according to Freddie Mac. This marks the highest borrowing cost since early August, further straining affordability for homebuyers.
At the current average rate, monthly payments on a $600,000 loan would be approximately $3,808, up significantly from $3,628 when rates dropped to 6.08% in late September.
Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac, attributed the rise in rates to economic data outperforming downbeat expectations, contributing to volatility in mortgage rates. Recent data, including a decline in initial jobless claims, has reinforced the strength of the economy ahead of the Federal Reserve's upcoming November meeting.
While affordability pressures continue to weigh on the housing market, with sales of previously owned homes slipping to a 14-year low in September, the new home market remains robust. Purchases of new homes jumped last month to the fastest pace in more than a year.
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