Posts from September 28th, 2023

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September
28

September
28

California Mortgage and Refinance Rates

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 7.84%. The national average 30-year fixed refinance APR is 8.00%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money.

Showing results for: Single-family home, 30 year fixed and 5 year ARM mortgages with all points options.

Lender Rate
APR
Mo. payment
as of September 28, 2023
Visit Optimum First Mortgage Inc. site

NMLS #240415 | State Lic: 01525044

5.0

6.624%

6.854%

$2,305

Visit Watermark Home Loans site

NMLS #1838 | State Lic: CFL Lic 603J352

4.9

6.605%

6.846%

$2,300

Visit Watermark Home Loans site

NMLS #1838 | State Lic: CFL Lic 603J352

4.9

6.625%

7.561%

$2,305

Visit Rocket Mortgage site

NMLS #3030

4.8
  • Discover multiple refinance options
  • Turn home equity you've earned into cash
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Visit Sage Mortgage site

NMLS #1374724 | State Lic: 60DBO87037

4.8

6.875%

7.062%

$2,365

Visit WesLend Financial site

NMLS #3304

5.0

6.875%

7.096%

$2,365

Visit Homefinity site

NMLS #2289 | State Lic: 41DBO-78367

4.9

7.375%

7.373%

$2,486

Market Survey Rates

The rates below are intended for educational purposes. The lenders listed are not active participants in Bankrate's mortgage marketplace.

San Diego County Credit Union

7.125%

7.137%

$2,425

Current mortgage interest rates in California

As of Thursday, September 28, 2023, current interest rates in California are 7.90% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.83% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. After hitting record lows in 2021, mortgage rates rose sharply in 2022. So far, in 2023, they've plateaued somewhat in the 6 percent range. Still, the seemingly here-to-stay higher rate environment means housing affordability, already a challenge in California's high-priced real estate market, presents an even higher hurdle.

One silver lining: Rates on jumbo mortgages have been below rates for conforming mortgages, so Californians who need to borrow more than $1 million can do so at favorable rates.

While interest rates no longer are at historic lows, you might be able to do a cash-out refinance to pay for renovations. You can use Bankrate's mortgage refinance calculator to run the numbers.

 

Shopping around for quotes from multiple lenders is one of Bankrate's most crucial pieces of advice for every mortgage applicant. When you compare, it's important to look at not just the interest rate you're being quoted, but also all the other terms of the loan. Be sure to compare APRs, which include many additional costs of the mortgage not shown in the interest rate. Keep in mind that some institutions may have lower closing costs than others, or your current bank may extend you a special "existing clients" offer. There's always some variability between lenders on both rates and terms, so make sure you understand the full picture of each offer, and think about what will suit your situation best.

 

  • Why trust Bankrate's mortgage rates?

How to find the best mortgage rate in California for you

Comparison-shopping for a mortgage is crucial. By comparing at least three offers, borrowers can save thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. Bankrate can help you find the best mortgage deal in today's volatile rate environment. Here are the basic steps to making the best decision:

  • Determine which type of mortgage is right for you. Consider your credit score and down payment, how long you plan to stay in the home, how much you can afford in monthly payments and whether you have the risk tolerance for a variable-rate loan versus a fixed-rate loan. If you're a veteran or servicemember, VA loans offer compelling benefits. If you're a first-time buyer, an FHA loan might make the most sense.
  • Figure out whether you'll be above or below the jumbo loan limit. In California's largest counties, conventional loan limits go up to $1,089,300. If you borrow more than that, you need a jumbo loan. See California loan limits by county.
  • Compare mortgage rates. Once you decide which mortgage type fits your needs, you can begin comparing current options. There's only one way to be sure you're getting the best available rate, and that's to look at least three lenders, including large banks, credit unions and online lenders, or by using a mortgage broker. Bankrate offers a mortgage rates comparison tool to help you find the right rate from a variety of lenders.
  • Choose the loan that best fits your needs. Bankrate's mortgage calculator can help you estimate your monthly mortgage payment, which can be useful as you consider your budget. Look at the APR, not just the interest rate. The APR is the total cost of the loan, including the interest rate and other fees, so it's usually a larger figure, but often a more accurate one — in terms of what you'll effectively be paying.

Mortgage options in California

The Golden State is aptly named: Home to three of the 10 largest cities in the country, but also blessed with beautiful countryside and coastal areas. Luckily, when it comes to mortgages in California, you have plenty of options. Here are some common loan types:

  • California conventional mortgages: Rates and requirements will vary depending on the area you want to live in and your financial situation. You can compare mortgage rates to find the option that's right for you.
  • CalHFA: The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers state residents access to mortgages, as well as smaller loans designed to help with a down payment or closing costs. To get started, borrowers can contact a CalHFA-approved lender or preferred loan officer.
  • California FHA loans: Home loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are offered throughout the U.S. While the FHA doesn't offer loans directly, you can find one through an FHA-approved lender in California. They are offered to first-time homebuyers, defined as those that have not purchased a home in the past two years, as well as repeat buyers. FHA loans are generally designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers with lower credit scores.
  • California VA loans: Backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans are offered to eligible veterans and active-duty service members. While the VA doesn't offer loans directly, you can find one through a VA-approved lender in California. They require no down payment and typically have lower interest rates than conventional mortgages.

First-time homebuyer programs in California

Buying a house in California is a pricey proposition, but first-time homebuyers in California have access to assistance in the form of grants and programs. Learn more about California first-time homebuyer programs.

  • CalHFA down payment assistance programs: Low- to moderate-income borrowers can apply for small down payment and closing costs assistance loans through CalHFA. One option is the MyHome Assistance program, which allows you to borrow a deferred loan worth up to 3.5 percent of the purchase price or appraised value to help you cover closing costs and the down payment.
  • CalHFA and CalPLUS Conventional Loan Programs: With the CalHFA Conventional Loan Program, you can get a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage on the conventional market. This means you'll have access to competitively low interest rates, but you'll also need to meet qualification requirements. The CalPLUS Conventional Loan Program is similar, but with a slightly higher interest rate that can be combined with the CalHFA Zero Interest Program to help pay closing costs.

Additional California mortgage resources

article belongs to bankrate.com

September
28

C.A.R. releases its 2024 California Housing Market Forecast

California housing market will rebound in 2024 as mortgage rates ebb.

  • Existing, single-family home sales are forecast to total 327,100 units in 2024, an increase of 22.9 percent from 2023's projected pace of 266,200.

  • California's median home price is forecast to climb 6.2 percent to $860,300 in 2024, following a projected 1.5 percent decrease to $810,000 in 2023 from 2022's $822,300.

  • Housing affordability* is expected to remain flat at 17 percent next year from a projected 17 percent in 2023.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 20) – Slower economic growth and cooling inflation will bring down mortgage interest rates in 2024 and create a more favorable market environment to spur California home sales next year, according to a housing and economic forecast released today by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.)

The baseline scenario of C.A.R.'s "2024 California Housing Market Forecast" sees an increase in existing single-family home sales of 22.9 percent next year to reach 327,100 units, up from the projected 2023 sales figure of 266,200. The 2023 figure is 22.2 percent lower compared with the pace of 342,000 homes sold in 2022.

The California median home price is forecast to rise 6.2 percent to $860,300 in 2024, following a projected 1.5 percent dip to $810,000 in 2023 from $822,300 in 2022. A persistent housing shortage and a competitive housing market will continue to put upward pressure on home prices next year.

"2024 will be a better year for the California housing market for both buyers and sellers as mortgage interest rates are expected to decline next year," said C.A.R. President Jennifer Branchini, a Bay Area REALTOR®. "A more favorable market environment with lower borrowing costs, coupled with an increase in available homes for sale, will motivate buyers and sellers to reenter the market next year. First-time buyers who were squeezed out by the highly competitive market in the last couple of years will try to attain their American dream next year. Repeat buyers who have overcome the "lock-in effect" will also return to the market as mortgage rates begin to trend down."

C.A.R.'s 2024 forecast predicts the U.S. gross domestic product to edge up 0.7 percent in 2024, after a projected uptick of 1.7 percent in 2023. With California's 2024 nonfarm job growth rate at 0.5 percent, up from a projected increase of 1.4 percent in 2023, the state's unemployment rate will increase to 5.0 percent in 2024 from 2023's projected rate of 4.6 percent.

Inflation will continue its gradual decline over the next 18 months, with the CPI registering 2.6% in 2024, down from 3.9% in 2023. As such, the average 30-year, fixed mortgage interest rate will decline from 6.7 percent in 2023 but remain elevated at 6.0 percent in 2024. While next year's projected average for the 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate will still be higher than the levels observed in the few years prior to the pandemic, it will be lower than the long-run average of nearly 8% in the past 50 years.

Housing supply in 2024 will remain below the norm despite a projected increase in active listings of between 10 percent to 20 percent, as market conditions and the lending environment continue to improve.

"With the economy expected to soften in 2024, the Federal Reserve Bank will begin loosening its monetary policy next year. Mortgage rates will trend down throughout 2024, and the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage could reach the mid-5% range by the end of next year," said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. "Buyers will have more financial flexibility to purchase homes at higher prices, which could generate increased housing demand and result in more upward pressure on home prices.

2024 CALIFORNIA HOUSING FORECAST

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023p

2024f

SFH Resales (000s)

424.9

402.6

398

411.9

444.5

342

266.2

327.1

% Change

1.7%

-5.2%

-1.2%

3.5%

7.9%

-23.1%

-22.2%

22.9%

Median Price ($000s)

$537.9

$569.5

$592.4

$659.4

$786.8

$822.3

$810.0

$860.3

% Change

7.1%

5.9%

4.0%

11.3%

19.3%

4.5%

-1.5%

6.2%

Housing Affordability Index*

29%

28%

31%

32%

26%

19%

17%

17%

30-Yr FRM

4.0%

4.5%

3.9%

3.1%

3.0%

5.3%

6.7%

6.0%

p = projected
f = forecast

* = % of households who can afford median-priced home


Leading the way ...® in real estate news and information for more than 110 years, the 
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, with more than 200,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.

Article belongs to CAR.org

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