Why has the market slowed down this fall? The most obvious answer is that we often see a lull before elections, as people wait for a sign about the future of whatever district is voting that year. We are seeing it now in Connecticut, where there is a heated battle for governor, with some real philosophical differences between the two candidates, about how to spur growth and recovery in our State.
Another side effect of looming elections, however, is a good one for consumers, and we are also seeing that. Mortgage rates tend to hit their lowest point in a year right before elections occur (surprise, surprise, if politicians have anything to do with it!), and that is true now. Mortgage rates are currently at their lowest level since June of 2013, and it would be a very good idea for buyers to pay attention to that fact. They almost always rise after elections, so there is a window here of a few weeks, when buyers may be able to qualify for rates that they won't see again. If legislators are trying to put you in a good mood before you vote, why not take advantage of that fact, and get yourself a good mortgage while you're at it? And, since the market is in limbo waiting to see what happens, you can buy at a favorable price at the same time!
