The latest release from Fannie Mae on the Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI) is particularly illuminating, showing a notable uptick in consumer optimism towards mortgage rates. For the first time since March 2022, the HPSI has climbed to 70.7, a 3.5-point increase driven largely by heightened confidence in job security and an unprecedented share of consumers expecting mortgage rates to dip in the coming year. This optimism isn’t just numbers on a page; it’s a palpable shift in the air, with 82% of respondents now feeling secure in their employment prospects, and an all-time survey high of 36% predicting lower mortgage rates ahead. Yet, despite this optimism, the stark reality remains that only 17% believe it’s a good time to buy a home, underscoring a persistent pessimism around purchasing conditions.
Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Chart
(click on chart for current, live-interactive chart)
