Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Buyers in Utah use creative strategies to secure mortgage rates below 5%.
- Special financing from sellers and refinancing are popular methods for lower rates.
- Zillow reports 81% of buyers utilized these options despite high national rates.
SALT LAKE CITY — In September, the housing market saw the lowest mortgage rates it's seen this year at 6.08% for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate. However, the start of October saw another spike in rates; the current U.S. weekly average raised to 6.79%, according to Freddie Mac.
Current interest rates in Utah range above the national average. As of Friday, Bankrate reported a 7.10% 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the Beehive State. On top of high rates, Utahns — like many other states — are facing severe supply and demand issues and have seen home prices increase by more than 75% since 2018.
High prices and the fluctuating mortgage-rate environment undoubtedly present obstacles for homebuyers and for many, keeps them from entering the housing market. Still, determined buyers are discovering creative solutions to achieve homeownership.
A recent Zillow survey found that even with decade-long high rates, recent homebuyers have been able to secure mortgage rates below 5%. Special financing through buyers and sellers was the key for most homebuyers to get a lower rate.
How buyers secured a below 5% rate:
- Refinanced to a lower rate after purchase: 25%.
- Received a personal loan (from friends or family): 23%.
- Purchased points to reduce interest rate: 23%.
- Offer included a rate buydown requirement from the seller/builder: 26%.
- The seller/builder provided financing at a special rate: 35%.
- Used any of the above options: 81%.
- Did not use any of the above options: 19%.
"This surprising finding really underscores the creativity of both buyers and sellers navigating today's dynamic real estate market," Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert, said in a press release of the study.
"Buyers are finding innovative ways to secure a lower mortgage rate, but sellers are also coming up with financing solutions to make their property more attractive to a potential buyer. Prospective homebuyers should explore all the ways they can reduce their monthly payment to bring homeownership within reach."
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Emma Pitts
