Housing affordability is at a 12-year low. Here are some tips for aspiring home buyers.

  • Home buyers facing challenging real estate market with mortgage rates over 7%
  • To buy a $397,000 home with a 30-year mortgage at 7.09%, a buyer would need an annual salary of $108,440
  • Housing affordability at lowest level since 2012
  • Tips for house hunters in a competitive market

Home buyers in the U.S. are facing an increasingly challenging real estate market as mortgage rates rise above 7%. To buy a typical $397,000 home with a 30-year mortgage at 7.09%, a buyer would need an annual salary of $108,440. Housing affordability is currently at its lowest level since 2012, making it difficult for many families to afford a home. However, there are some tips for house hunters in this competitive market. It’s important to be prepared and not underestimate the competition. Asking for sales incentives and considering rental options until enough money is saved are also recommended. While mortgage rates are expected to fall later this year, it’s advised not to wait for them to drop before buying, as prices may increase. Refinancing is always an option if rates do decrease.

Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides relevant information about the challenges faced by home buyers in the U.S., including statistics on mortgage rates, housing affordability, and tips for house hunters. The information is sourced from reputable organizations like Redfin and the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index. While there are some minor digressions and unnecessary details, the overall content is informative and fact-based.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the challenges faced by home buyers in the U.S., including statistics on housing affordability and mortgage rates. It offers tips for house hunters and insights on the current real-estate market conditions. The content is focused, supported by data, and provides actionable advice for potential home buyers.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Mortgage rates, real estate market
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article discusses the challenges faced by home buyers in the U.S. due to the increase in mortgage rates. It provides information on the affordability of homes and the impact of high mortgage rates on the housing market. However, there is no mention of any extreme events or their impact.
Private Companies: Redfin
Key People: Chen Zhao (Economics Research Lead at Redfin)

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com