Mortgage rates are based on mortgage backed securities (bonds) and often change throughout the day. Since they are based on bonds, mortgage rates will often improve when the stock markets are deteriorating as investors will trade the safety of bonds for the potential greater return found with stocks. The reverse is also true. World events as well as scheduled economic indicators may impact the direction of mortgage interest rates. Watch for signs of inflation, which erodes the value of bonds and therefore, causes mortgage rates to trend higher.
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: June 23, 2014
June 23, 2014 by Leave a Comment
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: May 5, 2014
May 5, 2014 by 1 Comment
Happy Cinco de Mayo! This week’s calendar is very light, especially when you compare it to the amount of economic data that was released last week. It’s not just economic reports that may move mortgage rates. The stock markets or world events, such as what’s going on with Russia, may impact the direction of mortgage rates. Here are the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week:
Reader Question regarding Down Payments for Second Homes
February 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment
I received this comment from one of my readers on a post about occupancy and I thought it would make a good post all on it’s own.
What is the normal down payment on a second home? Our credit is in the “good” range and our debt to income is very good.
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: December 23, 2014
December 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Happy Holidays! With this being a short week due to Christmas, we may see a bit more volatility with mortgage rates with many traders taking time off for the holidays. Markets will be closing early on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will be closed all day Wednesday. Here are some of the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week:
New Conforming Price Adjustments for Mortgage Rates
December 19, 2013 by 3 Comments
UPDATE: DECEMBER 23, 2013: Incoming Director of the FHFA, Mel Watts has announced that he will delay the increase to conforming price adjustments (aka LLPA or guarantee fees).
This week Fannie Mae revealed conforming price adjustments (LLPA) which will increase the cost for mortgage rates in 2014. This complied with the Fed beginning to pull back on their bond buying program will certainly cause mortgage rates to trend higher.
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: November 4, 2013
November 4, 2013 by 1 Comment
Mortgage rates continue to be at very low levels. Although they’re not at the lows from May, Freddie Mac’s Mortgage Market Survey reports that mortgage rates have been trending lower for the last four months. If you missed the refi-boat a few months ago, this may be your second chance. You may want to contact a local licensed mortgage professional for an updated mortgage rate quote (if your home is located anywhere in Washington state, I’m happy to help you).
What May Impact Mortgage Interest Rates this Week: October 28, 2013
October 28, 2013 by 2 Comments
This week is packed with data that may drive mortgage rates higher or lower, including the Fed meeting which wraps up on Wednesday. It’s highly unlikely the Fed will make any changes to the Fed Funds Rate. Traders will be waiting for clues on when tapering may begin (it’s estimated will be pushed out to March 2014). Remember, mortgage interest rates are based on bonds (mortgage backed securities – MBS) and change throughout the day, just like stocks do. It’s not unusual to have bonds react opposite of the stock market as investors will often trade the safety of bonds for the potential return found with stocks (and the reverse is true).
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: September 30, 2013: Mortgage Rates Trending Lower
September 30, 2013 by 1 Comment
The debt ceiling is influencing the markets today with the potential threat of the government shutting down at midnight tonight. Did you know that Congress is exempt from furloughs and will still be paid if the government shuts down?
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