Federal Reserve to Announce First Rate Cut Since 2020; Experts Expect Mortgage Rates to Lower

LAS VEGAS, NV – After a number of borrowing rate increases over the past several years instituted in an attempt to combat skyrocketing inflation and prevent a potential national recession, the Federal Reserve is finally expected to implement their first rate cut in four years on Wednesday, with experts anticipating that the move will begin to lower the historically-high interest on mortgage loans.

Other decreases due to Wednesday’s expected cut are to be seen with auto loans, credit cards – the nation debt for which recently hit $1.1 trillion, the highest level in U.S. history – and business loans.

The rate cut, which is anticipated to be by either a quarter point or half percentage point – and more cuts are currently in the pipeline – should make it easier for individuals and families who have been holding off on buying a home due to high borrowing costs to finally land a mortgage that they can afford. The last time the Fed instituted a cut – way back in 2020 – interest rates were at 5.25 to 5.5 percent, which at the time was the highest point they had reached in 23 years.

In contrast, over the past four years interest rates for mortgages peaked at a whopping 7.8 percent in October 2023; as of September 2024, rates have dropped to approximately 6.2 percent.

Experts say that, with the news of the Fed’s anticipated rate cut announcement on Wednesday, now is a good time for people to begin taking a close look at their financial situation, as some interest rates will decrease automatically, creating some measure of relief for cash-strapped citizens.

While the federal funds rate does not directly set mortgage rates, experts note that the two tend to go hand-in-hand and as continued cuts come to pass, borrowing rates should continue to fall. As that occurs, consumers are encouraged to consider refinancing existing home mortgages and those shopping for a home should step up their efforts amid the lowered borrowing costs.

Shelter Realty is a Real Estate and Property Management Company specializing in the areas of Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas, NV. Feel free to give us a call at 702.376.7379 so we can answer any questions you may have.