By Melissa Dorman, April 10, 2019
Background behind Interest Rate Policy
If you are a buyer in today’s market, you are aware of the increase in prices over the last few years (especially in Portland). After the big 2008 crisis, I often get the question “When is the next big downturn turn in the market?”. While I cannot predict the market, it is important to recognize that price is not the only factor when you consider buying. After all, your monthly payment is a combination of price and interest rate. Historically, we are still at a very low interest rate as compared to decades prior when 17% was the norm. Even if you are worried about declining prices in the future, it’s worth considering the opportunity of locking in a very low rate. This is particularly true if you plan to keep the property for several years, allowing for a recovery in the price should we face a dip in the market in the coming years. Below is an overview of how the interest rate is set in our market.
The US Federal Reserve raises or lowers interest rates through its regularly scheduled Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).
FOMC is the monetary policy arm of the Federal Reserve Banking System. The FOMC sets a target for the Federal Funds Rate after reviewing current economic data.
Fed’s analyzes various parameters of economy like condition of inflation, labor market situation, demand for loans etc.
On the basis of these parameters the FOMC members make decision regarding the interest rates.
The fed funds rate is the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. Those loans are called Federal Funds.
The present scenario also gives a clear message that the policy makers are not in any hurry to change the interest rate policy soon.
Further Analysis
Among the 17 Committee Officials, 11 of them think an increase in interest rates will not be needed at all during this year (exciting news for buyers!).
The present condition of slow down in the U.S. economic growth is the primary reason behind this.
There were a series of change in interest rates which started more that three years ago.
Previous Changes in rates
The Fed raised rates four times in 2018 — the latest time in December 2018.
At that time it boosted the federal funds rate to a range of 2.25 percent to 2.5 percent.
Previous Expectation
In December 2019, committee members projected that there might be two interest rate hikes in 2019.
But as of now, of the 11 Fed officials, six anticipate just one rate hike later in the year, the other five forecasting no change at all during this year.
Condition analysis
Strong Labor Market Condition and Economic Activity
The committee said in a post-meeting statement that the country’s labor market situation remains strong and it is a positive factor.
They evaluated that the economic activity has slowed from its solid rate in the fourth quarter.
The slow economic activity is due to sluggish spending by households and because of reduced business investment.
These two are indirectly contributing to the slowing economic growth and are causing declining inflation.
Officials also updated their economic projections of number of increases they foresaw for 2019 from two to zero.
The recent decisions can affect interest rates on everything from credit cards to mortgages, as well as the interest rates on savings.
Business Trend and Activities
As per Federal Chairman; trade tensions, Brexit and the recently ended government shutdown raised uncertainties for the economy.
In recent surveys, business and consumer sentiments have declined, giving the Fed further reasons to be cautious.
While still low, the unemployment rate inched up to 3.9% in December. It is a positive factor.
Final words:
Overall, the Federal Committee has decided to leave interest rates unchanged and expect an increase in interest rates will not be needed this year. If you are on the fence about buying, I would encourage you to consider to opportunity of locking in a low rate!
Melissa Dorman is a Licensed Broker in Oregon and Washington with Yascha Group at Living Room Realty in Portland, OR. Follow Yascha Group on Facebook.
Melissa Dorman
Broker | OR & WA
She/They
Ten years ago, Melissa was living in a slum in Kolkata, India, helping over 200 women escape sex trafficking by providing alternative work at a social business.
It was there she discovered her passion for financial education as a means of empowering people to move out of poverty. After graduating from UCLA with a Masters, Melissa spent 5 years working as a Social Worker; assisting clients facing homelessness, in jail, or at a psychiatric facility.
As much as she loved the work, imagining saving for retirement on the meager salary of a social worker was becoming grim. That's when Melissa discovered "passive income." In no time, she fell in LOVE with real estate as a vehicle for wealth. Soon after, Melissa began locating off-market multi-family properties to purchase through creative financing strategies and win-win opportunities. Two years into investing, Melissa quit her day job as a Social Worker to become a full-time broker and investor. Initially, she was drawn to people in difficult circumstances, so she developed extensive experience assisting families facing foreclosure, short sales, and probate. Melissa is well versed in helping her clients overcome complex real estate challenges.
Currently, Melissa is teamed up with Super Broker, Yascha Noonberg at Living Room Realty. Together they assist clients to achieve their real estate dreams, including how to strategically buy and sell a personal residence to maximize profits. Far from the slums of Kolkata, her greatest passion now is empowering other working professionals to develop passive forms of income through buying multi-family properties in Portland.
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- T: 503-567-4697
- melissa@livingroomre.com
