Starter Homes

Mortgage rates increased slightly last week, inching up after falling the week prior. Officials at Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.81%, up from 6.78%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.30%. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also increased, up to 6.11% from 6.06%. A year ago, it averaged 4.58%. “Higher interest rates continue to dampen activity in interest rate-sensitive sectors, such as housing. However, overall U.S. consumer confidence is unwavering, surging to a two-year high in the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index for July 2023,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Rising consumer confidence often leads to greater spending, which could drive more consumers into the housing market.” Consumers believe that…