Jan 23, 2025
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After repeatedly hitting new record lows during the pandemic, mortgage rates have been at multi-decade highs in the post-COVID era.
As of this week, the Federal Reserve has announced another interest rate cut by a quarter-point, its third cut of the year. However, the Fed also predicted that it expects to reduce rates only twice next year, due to the lingering effects of inflation.
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As of December 24, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 7.13%. And many experts warn that the Fed’s cautious cuts may not fix the problem — that the situation for many homeowners may actually worsen.
Rate cuts could mean skyrocketing housing prices
Would-be homeowners are facing even more dire warnings from other experts, including Pulte Capital CEO Bill Pulte and “Shark Tank” star and investor Barbara Corcoran. Both Pulte and Corcoran spoke to Fox Business earlier this year and believe that if the Fed cuts rates, property costs will skyrocket.
"If the federal reserve comes in… and reduces rates… you could see those home prices go up, in my opinion, 5, 10, 20%. That would be just insane. You would start to have a buying frenzy again, much like during COVID," Pulte said.
"If rates go down just another percentage point ... prices are going to go through the roof," Corcoran said.
If you’re already holding a mortgage at an inflated rate, refinancing can help you cut the monthly bill down to size. Mortgage Research Center is a beneficial tool for finding a better rate so that you can save more in the face of persistent inflation.
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When you enter some information about yourself and your current mortgage, MRC will match you with vetted lenders offering competitive rates. Simply compare rates and choose the refinancing option that works best for you.
Luckily, buying a house isn’t the only way you can gain exposure in the real estate market these days — people are investing instead.
Residential and commercial options
With much lower upfront costs, new real estate crowdfunding platforms are helping eager investors gain access to the property market by removing financial barriers that kept them on the sidelines.
Commercial real estate can be a reliable income stream for the accredited investor. While commercial properties have had a tough few years post-COVID, one sector has been surprisingly resilient — necessity-backed commercial real estate.
First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows you to access institutional-quality necessity-backed commercial real estate investments — without the leg work of finding deals yourself.
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FNRP has developed relationships with the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods, and offers white-glove service to investors, acting as the deal leader. Through FNRP’s secure online platform, you can engage with experts, explore available deals and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized portal.
As another example, Arrived is an online crowdfunding platform that helps you passively invest in rental homes and vacation properties without breaking the bank.
Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, you can own shares of prime real estate properties across the country without having to navigate the complexities of becoming a landlord.
The process is simple: Browse through a curated selection of homes, and once you find a property you like, you can begin investing with just $100.
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