President Trump’s new tariffs are expected to significantly affect the real estate market. Here’s a breakdown of the potential effects:

1. Higher Construction Costs: The tariffs impose taxes on imported building materials like lumber, steel, and glass, which are essential for construction. This could increase the cost of building new homes by an estimated $9,200 per home. Developers may pass these costs onto buyers, making housing less affordable2.
2. Impact on Home Prices: The increased costs for new construction might lead to higher home prices, particularly in states where new builds make up a large portion of the market. This could exacerbate the housing affordability crisis.
3. Mortgage Rates: While tariffs might initially lower mortgage rates due to economic uncertainty, prolonged inflation could push rates higher in the long term. Lower rates could temporarily boost demand, but higher prices might offset this benefit3.
4. Market Uncertainty: The tariffs introduce unpredictability in the real estate sector, affecting developers’ decisions and potentially slowing down construction projects.

MORTGAGE RATES

Mortgage rates fell this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.67 percent, down from 6.78 percent the previous week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey.

Reserve policies and market demand have been playing ping pong with homeownership dreams. Some experts believe rates might ease up as the year progresses. Fingers crossed!

What Buyers Should Know

1. Shopping Saves Don’t settle for the first mortgage offer—compare, contrast, and hunt for the best deal. It’s like online dating but with fewer awkward coffee dates.
2. Boost That Credit Score A higher credit score is your golden ticket to snagging better rates. It’s the financial equivalent of acing a job interview.
3. Loan Type Decoded Fixed-rate loans are the steady Eddie of mortgages. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) start with lower rates but are as unpredictable as the weather app in San Francisco.

Buyers’ Survival Tips Start saving! With higher rates, every penny counts when it comes to closing costs and down payments. And if you’ve got a penchant for long-term planning, consider locking in rates now if they suit your budget.

The Bright Side While rates aren’t at rock bottom, they’re not perched at treetop heights either. Yes, affordability is tight, but savvy buyers are finding creative ways to make it work—whether it’s exploring smaller markets or finding homes that need a little TLC.