Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
This is a short week with Veterans Day on Tuesday (bond markets will be closed) and a light economic calendar. Rates are improved compared to what I quoted last Monday.
Black Knight Financial Services says at least 7.4 million mortgages should refinance, due to where rates are today and looking at borrowers with current notes at 4.5% and above. This may also be a good time to refi into a conventional mortgage if you have an FHA mortgage with a rate in 3% range with expensive FHA mortgage insurance.
Last week the Fed formally wrapped up their aggressive buying of mortgage backed securities (QE) which helped to keep mortgage rates at such a low level over the past couple of years. This was not a surprise to the markets as the Fed had continuously reiterated their plans to end QE in October. Mortgage rates seem to be slowly trending higher.
Will this week bring tricks or treats with mortgage rates? The stage is set to be another volatile week for mortgage rates with scheduled economic events/indicators. The Fed is expected to retire QE3 this week, in which they were buying bonds and treasuries to keep mortgage interest rates at artificial low levels. In addition, the economic issues taking place in Europe and other uncertainties in the world, just adds to the drama we may see play out with mortgage rates.
Last week, when mortgage rates for the 30 year fixed dipped below 4%, we saw many home owners jumping at the chance to refinance. Mortgage interest rates were very volatile last week, following the roller coaster ride of the stock market. It was reported we had about 10 different price changes in just one day. The only way you can make sure that you lock in a low rate is to…well…lock it! 🙂 This basically means that you have provided the lender with an application and have decided on your mortgage program.
Happy Columbus Day from Seattle – oh snap, I mean Happy Indigenous People’s Day. Regardless of which holiday you chose to celebrate, today is a Federal holiday and many offices are closed, including recording offices (no closings will be taking place today). Our office is open and I’m happy to help you with your mortgage needs. As today is a holiday, markets are closed. Here are some of the economic indicators scheduled to be released the rest of this week:
Last Friday’s Jobs Report came in better than expected and mortgage rates ticked up a little higher on Friday but are still in a tight range and essentially unchanged compared to last Monday’s rate post (slightly improved). There’s not a lot on the dance card this week for scheduled events that may impact the direction of mortgage interest rates this week. Watch for the Fed Minutes on Wednesday, which has stronger odds of moving mortgage rates. Since this week’s calendar is so light, I’m adding a couple items that will not impact rates…but are eventful!
This week is packed with economic data that may influence the direction of mortgage rates wrapping up with the Jobs Report on Friday. Mortgage rates will also react to world tensions, such as what’s taking place in the Middle East. This is because mortgage rates are based on bonds (mortgage backed securities) and investors often seek the safety of bonds over the potentially higher return found with stocks. Stocks are taking a hit this morning and mortgage backed securities are improved.Here are some of the economic indicators that are scheduled to be released this week:
I’m reading an article this morning, “When Mortgage Rates Rise”, which addresses something that I’m often asked and that I also addressed recently on post here. Essentially, the “experts” are predicting that we will mortgage rates trend higher to around the 5% range by mid to late next year. Historically, speaking, 5% is not a high rate… in fact, I’m sure I wrote a blog post about when mortgage rates dipped as low as 5% back around 2008 . Our “problem” is that we have become accustomed to fixed rates in the 3 to 4% range. Mortgage rates have been at artificially low levels for a long period. And I agree that we will see this end as the Fed continues to pull back their support of mortgage backed securities.
Rhonda Porter is a Licensed Mortgage Originator MLO121324 living in the greater Seattle area. Rhonda began her career in 1986 in the title and escrow industry and began her mortgage career in 2000. She enjoys helping people understand the mortgage process and started writing The Mortgage Porter in late 2006. Read More…
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