April 1, 2025: "How Will Tariffs Affect Spring Homebuying", a CNET Money article by Katherine Watt looking at how and whether the changing picture on trade policy affects home buying and selling this spring featured an observation from HSH.com vice president Keith Gumbinger:
After years of buyers sitting on the sidelines, the pent-up demand for houses is likely to explode at some point. "At least some potential homebuyers have become accustomed (or resigned) to mortgage rates at current levels," said Keith Gumbinger, vice president at HSH.com."
March 28, 2025: "Investing in the Spring 2025 Real Estate Market", a National Association of Realtors radio program and podcast hosted by Stephen Gasque featured HSH.com vice president Keith Gumbinger discussing the financing outlook for investment properties as 2025's spring homebuying season gets underway.
March 10, 2025: "How Does Refinancing a Mortgage Work?" a BottomLineInc discussion of the refinancing process, who refinances and why they do featured advice, strategies and tools from Keith Gumbinger, HSH.com's Vice President.
March 3, 2025: "Weekly Mortgage Rate Predictions", a CNET Moneyoutlook for mortgage rates by Katherine Watt featured soem observations from HSH.com VP Keith Gumbinger:
Mortgage rates have fallen more than a quarter of a percentage point (0.25%) since mid-January.
While that's a welcome change that makes mortgage rates a little better, "it doesn't make them especially low or attractive," said Keith Gumbinger, vice president at HSH.com.
Plus, even if lower rates are good for housing affordability, the reasons behind the recent dip - namely, a weaker job market and higher inflation - aren't beneficial for most US households.
Housing giant Fannie Mae expects average mortgage rates to remain above 6.5% for most of the year. But if new data points to long-term economic distress, mortgage rates could hit that target earlier than expected, according to Gumbinger. "There's a great bit of uncertainty in the outlook at the moment," he said.
January 28, 2025: "What This Week's Fed Decision Means for Mortgage Rates", a CNET Money discussion of Fed policy moves and effects on home financing costs by Katherine Watt included an observation from Keith Gumbinger, HSH.com's vice president:
Economists say it's too early to say how Trump's economic agenda and a Republican-led Congress might alter the central bank's approach to interest rate adjustments, noting only that the Fed plans to move cautiously.
"It's a bit of a 'wait-and-see' period with regard to the new administration, and a lot may happen over the first 100 days of it, given the flurry of executive orders," said Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH.com.
January 10, 2025: "The 2025 Homebuying Guide", a National Association of Realtors radio program and podcast hosted by Stephen Gasque featured HSH.com vice president Keith Gumbinger discussing what to do -- and what not to do -- when looking to secure home financing in 2025.
January 6, 2025: "Mortgage Rate News and Outlook", a CNET Money update of home financing conditions by Katherine Watt featured some comments from HSH.com VP Keith Gumbinger:
Only a sudden economic shock, such as the onset of a recession or spike in oil prices, could cause mortgage rates to plunge, said Keith Gumbinger, vice president of mortgage site HSH.com. "Drastic changes in direction are usually the result of some emerging significant event somewhere that upends financial markets."
Mortgage rates are also impacted by geopolitical events, including military conflicts and elections. Political instability can lead to economic uncertainty, which can result in more volatility with bond yields and mortgage rates.
Bond market investors would have to be convinced that the economy is cooling for mortgage rates to reverse course. That's why, absent a fresh downshift in the inflation trend or a sudden weakening of labor conditions, mortgage rates will remain close to 7% for a while, said Gumbinger.
January 2025: "Best Money Moves for 2025", a Bottom Line look ahead to the new year included a forecast for real estate conditions from HSH.com vice president Keith Gumbinger.
"If you are a seller: You still are in the driver’s seat due to limited inventory and strong demand, especially in desirable locations. I expect the median US sales home price to rise 2% to 3% this year, after going up 3% to 4% in 2024. Sellers will need to factor in the current "lock-in" effect - does it make financial sense to sell your home, even with prices near record highs, if you have to exchange your sub-3% mortgage for a much higher one to purchase your next house?"
"If you are a buyer: Optimize your chances in what continues to be a challenging and competitive environment. The average home remains on the market only about 25 days. If you find your dream house, be ready to move on it quickly. Make sure your credit and finances are in good shape. Know what your maximum price is and what factors are deal breakers. I expect rates on 30-year fixed mortgages to come down, but the decline is unlikely to be smooth. Plan and budget for the low-to-mid-6% range."
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