What the Fed rate hike means for your mortgage

Published March 16, 2022

Updated November 7, 2024

Better
by Better

Mortgage News: What The Fed Rate Hike Means For Your Mortgage


Here’s a look at the latest developments in the mortgage market this week.

The Fed is hiking interest rates, but mortgages may be spared a jump for now

Stylized Image: The Federal Reserve us Hiking Interest Rates 0.25%

The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, just announced they’ll be hiking the country’s benchmark interest rate by 0.25%. They’re hoping to cool down today’s overheated market, where prices for gas, groceries, and homes have risen to record highs.

The Fed only controls the rates that banks use directly, but their decisions trickle down to consumers too. Since the market expected this move, it hasn’t caused much change so far. Rates are still expected to rise over the course of 2022.

Quote by Brendan Phillips, Capital Markets at Better Mortgage

More rate hikes are expected this year, so another jump could be around the corner. Geopolitical tension, soaring inflation, and the price of oil can all contribute to interest rate increases.

If you’re getting a mortgage or shopping for a home, moving fast to lock in a desirable interest rate could help you save more in the long run.

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🏆 Find out what it means to lock a rate—and why it won’t box you in

3 of the best cities for single women homeowners

Before 1974, single women couldn’t even get a mortgage in their own name. Now, they represent 1 in 10 U.S. homeowners, and buy 4.8% more homes than single men.

Every buyer is different, but these 3 cities could be great options for single women to buy a home in thanks to their homeownership rates, median home values, gender pay gap ratios, and quality of life.

Stylized Image of Facts and Figures on Columbus, OH - One of the Best Cities for Single Women Homeowners

Stylized Image of Facts and Figures on Philadelphia, PA- One of the Best Cities for Single Women Homeowners

Stylized Image of Facts and Figures on Richmond, VA - One of the Best Cities for Single Women Homeowners

📚 Learn what a home in these cities can cost with this free mortgage calculator
📞 Chat with a Better Mortgage Home Advisor who can pinpoint the best market for you

Watch out for these renovations that don’t raise your home value

Three Stylized Icons: A Two-Tiered Wine Rack with Bottles, Abstract Image of Two Floors with Staircase and Hammer, A Pool with Ladder

Property value and pride in your home don’t always go hand-in-hand. If you want to renovate using today’s record high home equity, be careful of changes like these that may not be worth the investment.

Adding a wine cellar

A custom wine cave is impressive, but for an average cost of $40,000, you’re not likely to see the same increase on your next appraisal.

Remodeling your basement

An updated basement could appeal to buyers, but crunch the numbers closely. Data shows a midrange basement remodel recoups just 70% of its cost.

Installing a swimming pool

An in-ground pool costs over $42,000 on average, and only adds about $21,000 in value.

🏡 Get the ball rolling to see how much home equity you can tap with Better Mortgage
💸 Read up on whether a cash-out refinance is right for you

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