Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
This morning, mortgage backed securities are recovering from Friday’s fiasco following the better than expected Jobs Report. On Wednesday, the minutes from the last Fed meeting will be released which may set mortgage rates off on another roller coaster ride.
Here are some of the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week:
This is a short week packed full of economic data that may impact already turbulent mortgage rates. It may look like a light week – watch for Friday’s Jobs Report. The bond and stock markets will close early Wednesday and reopen on Friday following the 4th of July holiday.
Monday, July 1: ISM Index
Wednesday, July 3: Initial Jobless Class and ISM Services Index
Thursday, July 4th: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
Friday, July 5: The Jobs Report
If you would like me to provide you with a rate quote for your purchase or refinance of a home located anywhere in Washington state, where I’m licensed, please click here.
Mortgage rates have been moving higher causing some home buyers and rate shoppers a bit of surprise. Mortgage rates have been trending up with hints of QE3 and the Fed’s bond buying program, which has kept mortgage rates at artificial lows, may be wrapping up soon. Freddie Mac reports that the 30 year fixed is at 3.91% when paying 0.7 points and if not points are paid, the rate is 4.09%. Keep in mind that the rates Freddie has posted today are from last week and rates have continued to nudge higher.
Typically on the first Friday of every month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the Employment Situation Summary, otherwise known as The Jobs Report. This report details specific employment trends, including how many Americans are employed with “non-farm” jobs, trends in various fields of employment, income and hours worked. It also includes the “official” unemployment rate. The data contained in the Jobs Report carries a lot of weight and is considered one of our country’s stronger economic indicators.
This morning, mortgage rates are improving largely due to drama that’s taking place in Europe with the IMF and the island of Cypress. The IMF is taxing (some say stealing) from depositors causing a run on the banks.
Remember, mortgage rates are based on mortgage backed securities (bonds). And when investors will seek the safety of bonds over the potential higher return found with stocks, causing mortgage rates to improve.
The strong Jobs Report on Friday caused mortgage rates to trend higher. This morning rates are still at that level. Please keep in mind that although I talk about mortgage rates been higher – they’re still very low. However if you’ve been pricing mortgage rates over the last two months, you’ll notice that the price (discount) for the same rate you’ve been quoted, cost more.
Although still very low, mortgage rates have been trending higher. This morning I’m updating a quote for a Seattle home owner who is considering refinancing. The same rate I quoted her a month ago today at “par” (no discount points) will now cost a full discount point or is 0.125 – 0.25% higher in interest rate with similar pricing. I have more on current mortgage rates below.
As the economy improves and the stock market rallies, mortgage rates tend to rise. This is because investors will trade the safety of bonds (like mortgage backed securities) for the potential better return with stocks.
It’s another short week with the Martin Luther King Holiday observed today.
President Obama is also being sworn in for his second term. Many home owners are hopeful that President Obama is successful in getting HARP 3.0 and the “Obama Refi” aka #MyRefi programs that he pushed for in his first term, approved and available for those who need to refinance and do not qualify for HARP 2.0 or streamlined refinances, such as FHA, VA or USDA.
Here are some of the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week:
Tuesday, January 22: Existing Home Sales
Thursday, January 24: Initial Jobless Claims
Friday, January 25: New Home Sales
If you are considering buying a home or refinancing a home located in Seattle, Sammamish, Gig Harbor or anywhere in Washington state, I’m happy to help you! Click here if I can provide you with a no-hassle mortgage rate quote.
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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