Mortgage rates bumping along

Freddie Mac’s weekly report on mortgage rates, the Prime Mortgage Market Survey (aka PMMS) which shows what mortgage rates averaged last week, shows that rates bumped slightly higher. Remember, mortgage rates change constantly as they are based on bonds (mortgage backed securities). Rates posted are subject to change and, since this is an average from last week, they already have changed. This report is just intended to provide an idea of the direction of where mortgage rates have been and where they may be heading. If you would like current rates for your personal scenario, please contact me.

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How does economic news impact mortgage interest rates?

Mortgage rates are based on bonds (mortgage backed securities) and are traded fairly similar as stocks. Investors tend to favor stocks over bonds as stocks tend to provide a better return. However, investors will opt for bonds over stocks when they are seeking safety when markets are tumultuous.  When the stock market is on a run, odds are mortgage rates may be moving higher as investors are selecting stocks over bonds. And when the stock market is tanking, mortgage rates tend to improve for the same reason. [Read more…]

Mortgage Rates Bouncing Along

Freddie Mac released their Prime Mortgage Market Survey this morning showing that last week, average mortgage rates slightly ticked higher.

I don’t post the PMMS weekly reports from Freddie Mac every week (you can see them here), however from my last post on this, you can see there is very little difference in interest rates compared to almost 1.5 months ago.

This is good news for people who are considering buying or refinancing their homes with mortgage interest rates staying historically lower (see the bottom time line on the pic above). If you need a mortgage on a home located anywhere in Washington state, where I’m licensed, I am happy to help you!  Click here for a mortgage rate quote.

Possible Relief for Seattle – King County Home Buyers

The Northwest Multiple Listing Service issued a press release indicating that we are finally seeing an increase in new listings being added to the market. The 14,524 new listings that came on during May, in the 23 counties that the NWMLS serves, are the most listings added in one month in 10 years. In King County, there were almost 1000 homes added to the market creating just over one month of inventory – the first time since September of last year. Here’s a link to the NWMLS market snapshot for May 2018. [Read more…]

Are markets shifting in Seattle?

This weekend while driving around my neighborhood in Seattle, I noticed more “for sale” and “open house” signs on homes. It’s a welcome sight after how long we’ve been in this tight market with very little housing inventory. [Read more…]

What may impact mortgage rates this week

This week is packed with economic indicators that may impact the direction of mortgage interest rates, which have been nudging higher. Mortgage rates are based on bonds (mortgage backed securities or “MBS”).  When the stock market is doing well, it’s not unusual to see mortgage rates trend higher as investors will trade the safety of bonds for the potentially higher return found with stocks. The reverse tends to also hold true – if stocks are tumbling, mortgage rates often improve as investments are moved to bonds. Signs of inflation will also deteriorate bond pricing and cause mortgage rates to move higher. [Read more…]

Mortgage interest rates continue higher

Freddie Mac’s weekly Prime Mortgage Market Survey shows that the average conforming rate last week reached a four year high with the 30 year at 4.58% priced with a half point.

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Stop paying rent: Mortgages with Low Down Payment Options

Recently I wrote about neighbors in West Seattle who were looking for a new place to rent because they have two cats and a dog, limiting their options.  I’ve pets my entire life, this is my cat Rocko at his typical hang-out where he can view everything on our stairs.

In my last post, I shared Fannie Mae’s Home Ready mortgage program which offers a low down payment with improved pricing on rates and mortgage insurance. [Read more…]