Will mortgage rates go down in March 2021? Forecast and trends
Mortgage rates forecast for March 2021
Before 2020, no one would have thought mortgage rates creeping toward 3% was a bad thing.
But everything is relative.
In early 2021, the 30-year mortgage bottomed out at 2.65% but is now 2.81% according to Freddie Mac.
We are now in a rising rate environment. They are still ridiculously low, but forever-dropping rates had to come to an end sometime.
Want to capture some of the lowest rates in history? You might want to lock in now.
Find and lock a low rate today. (Feb 26th, 2021)In this article (Skip to…)
- Mortgage rates next 90 days
- Mortgage rate predictions
- Federal Reserve
- Mortgage rate trends
- Mortgage strategy for March
- Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA rates
- Economic calendar
- Mortgage rates FAQ
Mortgage rates next 90 days
This chart shows past mortgage rate trends, plus predictions for the next 90 days based on current events and 2021 forecasts from major housing authorities.
Predictions for March 2021
Here are trends we see on the horizon in the upcoming month and year.
Democrat-controlled Congress could put upward pressure on rates
The Georgia senate runoff election determined who would control Congress, hence the nationwide interest.
Democrats won both seats, making the Senate a 50-50 split between Republicans and Democrats. But Vice President Kamala Harris will be the tie breaker, essentially giving Democrats a 51-50 majority.
This is a big deal for mortgage rates because investors predict a Democrat-controlled Congress will pass stimulus and other spending measures more easily. This is bad for rates for two reasons.
First, stimulus efforts and other government programs tend to lift the economy. Consumers spend more and businesses start hiring. A hotter economy can lead to inflation, which is bad for mortgage rates. Plus, the Fed may end the rate-reducing programs it launched post-COVID if the economy recovers faster than expected.
Second, bigger government spending means larger bond issuance. The government issues bonds (debt) to pay for assistance programs.
Mortgage rates are tied to bond prices. So if the government floods the market with bonds, bond prices go down and interest rates on those bonds rise (prices and rates move in opposite directions). Mortgage rates are based on these bonds.
If that explanation was a bit too much, just remember that more government spending can lead to higher mortgage rates.
And rates are already starting to spike, even before any legislation is introduced.
If you’d like to take advantage of sub-3% rates while they are still around, you might want to act fast.
The good news: the Fed plans to maintain ‘easy money’ policies for the foreseeable future
As a counterweight to potential higher Democratic spending, the Fed reassured markets that it has no plans to end “easy money” policies any time soon.
Minutes from the January 2021 Fed meeting revealed internal agreement that the economy is far from goal levels.
This is good news for mortgage shoppers.
Mortgage rates are in the high-2s largely because Fed actions keep them artificially low.
The group currently purchases $120 billion in bonds per month, $40 billion of which are for mortgage-backed securities, the bonds that determine mortgage rates.
If the Fed states a timeline to reduce these purchases, 2021 could be a repeat of 2013.
The year 2013 was one of the worst years on record for rate increases. The 30-year rate went from 3.35% on May 2 to 4.46% on June 27 according to Freddie Mac. That’s an increase of almost $200 per month on a $300,000 mortgage — in 8 weeks.
In 2013, the payment on a $300,000 mortgage to increased by $200 per month in 8 weeks.
Markets are always forward-looking. If the Fed tips their hand about tapering stimulus, the market could react violently and rates could skyrocket.
Keep in mind that, in 2012 and 2013, rates kept hitting all-time lows before jumping skyward. And that’s pretty much the story of mortgage rates in 2020 and early 2021. Are we due for a huge jump?
Maybe. But we should see continued low rates as long as the Fed keeps quiet about any plans to reduce mortgage bond purchases.
Lock in today's rates. Start here. (Feb 26th, 2021)The Fed to keep its benchmark rate low until 2023
The Federal Reserve has a few levers with which to keep rates low in the economy.
Discussed above is bond purchases which have the biggest impact on mortgage rates.
But an indirect method of rate suppression is to keep its benchmark rate — the federal funds rate — near zero.
This rate level allows banks to borrow money at nearly no cost — which has a trickle-down effect on consumer borrowing and interest rates in general.
The Fed’s current rate-friendly stance is a boon for mortgage shoppers.
What does this mean for the personal finances of the average
American consumer?
It means you’ll likely have access to ultra-low rates for years. Perhaps not as low as they are now, but very low from a historical standpoint.
If you’re ready, it’s a fantastic time to lock in.
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Mortgage rate trends as predicted by housing authorities
Housing agencies nationwide are calling for rates in the high 2s and low 3s for 2021.
| Agency | 30-Yr Rate Prediction |
| Fannie Mae | 2.80% |
| Wells Fargo | 2.89% |
| Freddie Mac | 3.00% |
| National Assoc. of Home Builders | 3.00% |
| National Assoc. of Realtors | 3.20% |
| Mortgage Bankers Assoc. | 3.30% |
| Average of all agencies | 3.03% |
To sum it up, rate predictions vary widely. Today’s rate might be as good as we’ll see for years to come, or they might improve.
Mortgage strategies for March 2021
Here are the trends of most importance that we see for home buyers and homeowners this month.
March 2021 will hold the perfect opportunity to cancel mortgage insurance
Home values skyrocketed in 2020. As 2021 progresses, homeowners will enjoy the dual blessing of rising home values and low rates.
This puts them in a fantastic position to refinance out of mortgage insurance.
Most home buyers don’t put down 20%. The average is more like 6%. But that means most first-time home buyers are paying some kind of mortgage insurance.
Mortgage insurance is not bad, but it’s not fun to pay, either.
Luckily, many homeowners now have 20% equity despite making only a 5-10% down payment not that long ago.
These homeowners can refinance into a conventional loan and get rid of mortgage insurance altogether.
This is true for those with private mortgage insurance (PMI) or FHA mortgage insurance (MIP).
It could save you hundreds of dollars per month.
If your home equity has skyrocketed in the last 12-24 months, it’s worth talking to a lender, who can let you know your chances of refinancing out of your mortgage insurance for good.
Tap into home equity (wisely) while rates are low
Many homeowners are sitting on a massive war chest of home equity.
The funny thing is, few are tapping into it, even at rock-bottom rates.
In some ways this is smart. In the mid-2000s, we saw rampant borrowing against real estate and people cashing out homes every few months. This led to disaster.
But today’s homeowner seems overly subdued when it comes to wisely using home equity.
In the 3rd quarter of 2020 (the most recent data available), just 34% of homeowners took out a 5% higher loan balance when refinancing. Compare that to 89% in Q3 of 2006, according to Freddie Mac.
Despite the ill reputation of the ‘cash-out refinance,’ it’s actually a very useful tool if used correctly.
Many people with a 22% interest rate on a large credit card balance could pay it off with a 3% cash-out refinance.
Likewise, auto loans, student loans and other pesky debt could be consolidated into one low monthly payment.
Keep in mind that most mortgages last 30 years, so you end up paying those debts longer. But if your main goal is to reduce monthly expenses, a cash-out refinance could work wonders.
Cash-out refinance for home improvement
But consolidating debt isn’t the only reason to use a cash-out refinance.
During COVID, many companies transitioned employees to permanent work-from-home. This sounds great until you realize your home wasn’t set up for it.
One solution: take a cash-out refinance to add on square footage, convert part of the garage to office space, or convert a room to a home office.
Home additions can be cost-prohibitive, at an average of $48,000 according to homeguide.com. You probably don’t have that kind of cash lying around.
But this amount is actually very attainable for many homeowners via a cash-out refinance.
You typically have to keep at least 20% equity in the home after the refinance (and better rates are available if you leave 25% equity). So generally, a cash-out refinance might be worth it if you currently have about 35-40% equity and your home is worth around $250,000 or more.
A cash-out refinance can give you the almost-instant cash to improve the home, thereby making it more livable during these times while adding substantial value.
Get started on your loan application here. (Feb 26th, 2021)Loan product rate updates
Many mortgage shoppers don’t realize there are many different types of rates in today’s mortgage market.
But this knowledge can help home buyers and refinancing households find the best value for their situation.
Following are updates for specific loan types and their corresponding rates.
Conventional loan rates
Conventional refinance rates and those for home purchases trended lower in 2020, and are still ultra-low in 2021.
According to loan software company Ellie Mae, the 30-year mortgage rate averaged 2.91% in January (the most recent data available), down from 2.93% in December.
This is higher than Freddie Mac’s 2.81% weekly average because it factors in low credit and low-down-payment conventional loan closings, which tend to come with higher rates.
Plus, it’s a more delayed report, and interest rates have been dropping.
Lower credit score borrowers can use conventional loans, but these loans are more suited for those with decent credit and at least 3 percent down.
Five percent down is preferable due to higher rates that come with lower down payments.
Twenty percent of equity is preferred when refinancing.
With adequate equity in the home, a conventional refinance can pay off any loan type. Got an Alt-A, subprime, or high-PMI loan? A conventional refi can take care of it.
For instance, say you purchased a home three years ago with an FHA loan at 3.5 percent down. Since then, home prices have skyrocketed.
Because of your higher home value, you now have 20 percent equity, which means you could refinance into a conventional loan and eliminate FHA mortgage insurance.
This could be a savings of hundreds of dollars per month, even if your interest rate goes up.
Getting rid of mortgage insurance is a big deal in any mortgage market. This mortgage calculator with PMI estimates your current mortgage insurance cost. Enter a 20 percent down payment to see your new payment without PMI.
Find a low conventional loan rate. Start here. (Feb 26th, 2021)FHA mortgage rates
FHA is currently the go-to program for home buyers who may not qualify for conventional loans.
The good news is that you will get a similar rate — or even lower — with an FHA mortgage loan than you would with a conventional one.
Related: Read more about FHA costs and requirements on our FHA loan calculator page.
According to Ellie Mae, which processes more than 3 million loans per year, FHA loan rates averaged 2.86% in January, a little lower than the average conventional rate.
Another interesting stat from Ellie Mae: About 20 percent of all FHA loans are issued to applicants with credit scores below 650.
FHA loans come with mortgage insurance. But the overall cost is not much more than for conventional loans.
A little-known program, called the FHA streamline refinance, lets you convert your current FHA loan into a new one at a lower rate if rates are now lower.
An FHA streamline mortgage application requires no W2s, pay stubs, or tax returns. And you don’t need an appraisal, so home value doesn’t matter.
Find low FHA rates. Start here. (Feb 26th, 2021)VA mortgage rates
Homeowners with a VA loan currently are eligible for the ever-popular VA streamline refinance.
No income, asset, or appraisal documentation is required.
If you’ve experienced a loss of income or diminished savings, a VA streamline can get you into a lower rate and better financial situation. This is true even when you wouldn’t qualify for a standard refinance.
But don’t overlook the VA loan for home buying. It requires zero down payment.
That means if you have the cash for closing costs, or can get them paid for by the seller, you can buy a home without raising any additional funds.
Don’t overlook the VA loan for home buying. It requires zero down payment.
VA mortgages are offered by local and national lenders, not by the government directly. Most active-duty members or veterans of the United States military can qualify.
This public-private partnership offers consumers the best of both worlds: strong government backing and the convenience and speed of a private company.
Most lenders will accept credit scores down to 620, or even lower. Plus, you don’t pay high interest rates for low scores.
Quite the contrary, VA loans come with the lowest rates of all loan types according to Ellie Mae.
In January, (the most recent data available), 30-year VA mortgage rates averaged just 2.60% while conventional loans averaged 2.91%, representing a big discount if you’re a veteran.
Check your monthly payment with this VA loan calculator.
There’s incredible value in VA loans.
Check today's VA loan rates. Start here. (Feb 26th, 2021)USDA mortgage rates
Like FHA and VA, current USDA loan holders can refinance via a “streamlined” process.
With the USDA streamline refinance, you don’t need a new appraisal. You don’t even have to qualify using your current income. The lender will only make sure that you are still within USDA income limits.
Home buyers are also learning the benefits of the USDA loan program for home buying.
No down payment is required, and rates are ultra-low.
Home payments can be even lower than rent payments, as this USDA loan calculator shows.
Qualification is easier because the government wants to spur homeownership in rural areas. Home buyers might qualify even if they’ve been turned down for another loan type in the past.
Like FHA and VA loans, the USDA program is for people who want to buy or refinance a primary residence; these loan programs aren’t for real estate developers.
Find a lock low USDA rates. (Feb 26th, 2021)Mortgage rates today
While tracking monthly mortgage rate forecasts and weekly averages are helpful, it’s important to know that rates change daily.
You might get 3.00% today, and 3.125% tomorrow. Many factors alter the direction of current mortgage rates.
To get a synopsis of what’s happening today, visit our daily rate update. You will find live rates and lock recommendations.
March economic calendar
The next 30 days hold no shortage of market-moving news. In general, news that points to a strengthening economy could mean higher rates, while bad news from economists can make rates drop.
- Friday, March 5: Nonfarm Payrolls, wages, unemployment rate
- Wednesday, March 10: Inflation rate
- Tuesday, March 16: NAHB Housing Market Index
- Wednesday, March 17: Fed funds rate, FOMC announcement
- Wednesday, March 17: Housing Starts, Building Permits
- Monday, March 22: Existing Home Sales
- Friday, March 26: Personal Income, Personal Spending
- Wednesday, March 31: Pending Home Sales
Now could be the time to lock in a rate in case these events push up rates this month.
Mortgage rates Q&A
Below are some of the most common questions about mortgage rates.
Mortgage rates fluctuate based on market conditions and your specific situation. For instance, someone with a high credit score will get a lower rate than someone with a low score.
According to our survey of major housing authorities such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Mortgage Bankers Association, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage will average around 3.03% through 2021. Rates are hovering below this level as of February 2021.
Yes. Lenders have the flexibility to drop their rates and fees. Often, you must approach a lender with a better offer in writing before they will lower their rate.
Historically, it’s a fantastic mortgage rate. But, rates are currently hovering lower than this for well-qualified applicants. The average rate since 1971 is more than 8% for a 30-year fixed mortgage. To see if 3.875% is a good rate right now and for you, get 3-4 mortgage quotes and see what other lenders offer. Rates vary greatly based on the market and your profile (credit score, down payment, and more).
Most companies have similar rates. However, some offer ultra-low rates to gain market share. Others have lower rates for FHA than conventional, or vice versa. The only way to know if your company is offering the lowest rate is to get quotes from various lenders.
A point is a fee equal to 1 percent of your loan amount, or $1,000 for every $100,000 borrowed. Your interest rate could drop a quarter to a half a percentage point or more for each point paid. However, that can vary depending on the lender, loan characteristics, and borrower profile.
You can 1) request a lender credit; 2) request a seller credit (if buying a home); 3) increase your mortgage rate to avoid points; 4) get a down payment gift (which can be used for closing costs); 5) get down payment assistance.
Treasury yields and mortgage rates are not directly linked, but they are strongly correlated. 10-year Treasury yields and 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates tend to move in lock step with one another. That’s because both products are bought on the secondary market by the same types of investors.
Mortgage rates are higher than Treasury yields because mortgages are inherently more risky. Interest rates for mortgages are based on prices for mortgage-backed securities (MBS). The same factors that drive MBS up or down usually drive Treasuries up or down, hence the common misconception that Treasuries drive mortgage rates.
The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its economic policies influence mortgage markets. In times of economic uncertainty, the Fed promotes lower interest rates to encourage more borrowing which helps stimulate the economy. Lower rates can also raise home values which bolsters many Americans’ net worth.
If you entered into mortgage forbearance because of the coronavirus pandemic, you may be able to qualify for a refinance after exiting your forbearance plan. If you missed payments during forbearance, you’ll have to make three consecutive on-time payments before qualifying for a conventional refinance, according to FHFA’s rules.
What are today’s mortgage rates?
Low mortgage rates are still available. You can get a rate quote within minutes with just a few simple steps to start.
Show Me Today's Rates (Feb 26th, 2021)Selected sources:
- https://www.elliemae.com/mortgage-data/origination-insight-reports
- https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/calendar
- https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm
- http://www.freddiemac.com/research/datasets/refinance-stats/index.page