Ep 71: How Interest Rates Affect Home Affordability (with Kieth Hobart)

Guests: Kieth HobartSummaryIn this conversation, Joe and Keith discuss the significant impact of interest rates on home affordability, how they influence home prices, and strategies for locking in rates and choosing the right loans. They also explore refinancing options for homeowners, emphasizing the importance of understanding debt-to-income ratios and market conditions.TakeawaysInterest rates directly affect a buyer's monthly payment and A small increase in rates can significantly impact loan qualification.Home prices may stabilize with higher rates, but it doesn't shift to a buyer's market.Waiting for rates to drop can lead to missed opportunities in home appreciation.Choosing the right loan strategy is more important than just seeking the lowest rate.Brokers can offer more options compared to online Refinancing can be beneficial even if rates are similar, especially for debt consolidation.Understanding the full financial picture is crucial when selecting a loan.Market conditions can change rapidly, impacting buyer competition.Homeowners should consider refinancing to manage high-interest debts.Thank you for listening to RealTalk! Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and follow Joe on Instagram (@seattlesagent) for the latest videos. And don’t forget to check out The Seattle Experience with Joe Sheldon podcast on YouTube or your favorite podcast app. For more information about Joe, or to work with Joe, visit www.myseattlesearch.com.