
Fannie Mae economists have a clear vision for the future of mortgage rates. They predict that rates will rise over the next few years, with some increases expected in 2023.
Higher inflation is expected to drive up mortgage rates, with Fannie Mae economists forecasting a 20-basis-point increase in 2023. This means that borrowers can expect to pay more for their mortgages.
The economists also predict that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will rise to around 4.5% by the end of 2024. This is a significant increase from current rates, which are around 3.5%.
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Fannie Mae Predictions
Fannie Mae predicts that 30-year mortgage rates will remain higher for longer than expected, closing 2024 at 6.4%.
The company's Economic and Strategic Research group attributes this forecast to hotter-than-expected inflation data and strong payroll numbers, which are applying upward pressure to mortgage rates.
Fannie Mae's total home sales forecast for 2024 has been revised down to 4.91 million, a decrease from its previous projection of 5 million.
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Despite this, the organization anticipates an uptick in existing home sales this year, driven in part by households needing to move due to life events.
Purchase mortgage origination volume is projected to be $1.4 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 12% increase from 2023.
Refinance originations are forecasted to total $397 billion, $62 billion lower than prior forecasts.
Fannie Mae expects a rise in new home listings to outpace sales growth, gradually easing the current tight housing market.
This shift is anticipated to lead to a slowdown in home price appreciation, despite positive price growth, as affordability measures become stretched.
The Federal Reserve is unlikely to ease its monetary policy in the near future, despite strong economic indicators, which means mortgage rates will remain elevated for a longer period than previously anticipated.
Fannie Mae's forecast suggests that home price growth will decelerate over the next several years, even if a general lack of supply keeps home price appreciation positive.
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Understanding Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are a crucial factor in the housing market, and understanding them can help you make informed decisions about your home buying or selling process.
Fannie Mae's Economic and Strategic Research group forecasts the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to close 2024 at 6.4%, which is higher than previously anticipated.
Despite strong employment figures, the Federal Reserve is unlikely to ease its monetary policy, contributing to the upward pressure on mortgage rates.
In February, annual inflation rose to 3.2%, exceeding expectations and underscoring the ongoing economic strength.
The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain interest rates at their current levels after its upcoming meeting, with further insights into future rate adjustments provided in the central bank's quarterly economic projections.
Fannie Mae revised its total home sales forecast for 2024 to 4.91 million, down from the previous projection of 5 million, due to the impact of higher mortgage rates.
A purchase mortgage origination volume of $1.4 trillion in 2024 is forecasted, reflecting a 12% increase from 2023 but a $90 billion downgrade from previous estimates.
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Refinance originations are forecasted to total $397 billion, $62 billion lower than prior forecasts, indicating a slowdown in refinancing activity.
Homebuyers and sellers should be aware that higher mortgage rates can impact affordability measures, leading to a slowdown in home price appreciation despite positive price growth.
Fannie Mae expects a rise in listings to outpace sales growth, gradually easing the current tight housing market.
Future Outlook
Fannie Mae economists are forecasting a significant improvement in the housing market this year. They expect home sales to recover to around 4.5 million by the end of the year, a notable increase from the 2023 total of less than four million.
Lower mortgage rates will drive this recovery, making homes more affordable for potential buyers. As rates decrease, more homeowners will see the value in refinancing their high-interest-rate loans.
The recent drop in rates has already led to an uptick in mortgage refinancing, which had plummeted to 20-year lows in 2023. This trend is expected to continue as rates keep decreasing.
Home sales should slowly return to a more typical pattern, similar to those seen before the pandemic. This means a more balanced market, with around 5 million homes sold per year.
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Rate Pressure and Impact

Fannie Mae expects 30-year mortgage rates to remain higher for longer, closing 2024 at 6.4%, due to hotter-than-expected inflation data and strong employment numbers.
This higher rate pressure is likely to have a significant impact on homebuying demand, as many buyers will drop out of the market to wait for rates to go back down. Low mortgage rates typically boost buying power and make it easier for potential buyers to afford a home purchase.
Fannie Mae has revised its total home sales forecast for 2024 to 4.91 million, down from the previous projection of 5 million, reflecting the expected decrease in demand due to higher mortgage rates.
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Factors Influencing
Mortgage rates are determined by a number of different economic influences. The current rate of inflation is a significant factor, with higher inflation rates often leading to higher mortgage rates.
Fannie Mae's Economic and Strategic Research group forecasts that 30-year mortgage rates will remain elevated due to hot inflation data and robust payroll numbers. This is a stark contrast to earlier projections of mortgage rates ending the year below 6%. The ESR group now expects the 30-year fixed rate to close 2024 at 6.4%.
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The Federal Reserve's monetary policy also plays a crucial role in determining mortgage rates. Despite strong employment figures and higher-than-expected inflation data, the Federal Reserve is unlikely to ease its monetary policy in the near future. This means that interest rates will remain at their current levels after the upcoming meeting.
Inflation data, such as the 3.2% annual inflation rate in February, can have a significant impact on mortgage rates. This is because higher inflation rates can lead to higher interest rates and mortgage rates. The 275,000 jobs added in February also exceeded expectations, further underscoring the ongoing economic strength and upward pressure on mortgage rates.
Your individual financial profile, including your credit score, down payment, and debt-to-income ratio, will also help determine the exact rate you get. This is why it's essential to maintain a good credit score and manage your debt effectively to secure a better mortgage rate.
The economic influences on mortgage rates can vary by state, with rates differing across regions. This is because local economic conditions, such as job growth and housing market trends, can impact mortgage rates.
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Fannie Mae Forecasts Continued Rate Pressure

Fannie Mae predicts that 30-year mortgage rates will remain higher for longer than expected, closing 2024 at 6.4%. This is up from the previous forecast of 5.9%.
The strong employment numbers and hotter-than-expected inflation data have put upward pressure on mortgage rates. In February, annual inflation increased to 3.2%, and employers added 275,000 jobs, both exceeding expectations.
The Federal Reserve is unlikely to ease its monetary policy in the near future, which means interest rates will remain steady. This will keep mortgage rates elevated, affecting homebuyers and sellers.
Fannie Mae has revised its total home sales forecast for 2024 to 4.91 million, down from the previous projection of 5 million. This is due to the expected impact of higher mortgage rates on homebuying demand.
Despite the revised forecast, Fannie Mae anticipates an uptick in existing home sales this year, driven by households needing to move due to life events. These households are less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations.
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The current tight housing market is expected to gradually ease as the months' supply of homes for sale increases. This will lead to a slowdown in home price appreciation, despite positive price growth.
Fannie Mae projects a purchase mortgage origination volume of $1.4 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 12% increase from 2023. However, this is a $90 billion downgrade from previous estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rate forecast for Fannie Mae in 2024?
Fannie Mae projects mortgage rates to be 6.6% by the end of 2024. This upward revision is due to rising bond rates since the September FOMC meeting.
Will mortgage rates ever be 3% again?
Mortgage rates returning to 3% are unlikely in the near future, but possible in the long term. Experts predict it may take decades for rates to drop back down
What will the mortgage rate be in 2025 Fannie Mae?
According to Fannie Mae, mortgage rates are expected to decline modestly but remain above 6% in 2025, with potential volatility.
Sources
- https://money.com/mortgage-rates-drop-fannie-mae-report/
- https://www.housingwire.com/articles/fannie-mae-predicts-that-higher-mortgage-rates-will-stick-around-longer/
- https://www.fanniemae.com/research-and-insights/forecast/forecast-monthly-archive
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/mortgages/will-mortgage-rates-go-down-this-year
- https://elite100agents.com/fannie-mae-forecasts-continued-mortgage-rate-pressure-despite-strong-economic-indicators/
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