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  1. Mortgage Rates Grind Higher on Positive News – March 9, 2012

    By on March 9, 2012

    There are two big pieces of news today that could impact mortgage rates: 1) the Greek debt swap was successful, 2) this morning’s employment report was stronger than anticipated.  Normally we would expect to see rising mortgage rates with two pieces of positive news. However, rates are not rising as much as I anticipated.

    The Greek debt deal was completed last night, and somewhere around 85% of investors agreed to a swap.  I believe that after collective action clauses are used to compel others to comply with the deal, participation will be somewhere around 95%.  I still contend that Greek will need to leave the Eurozone and ultimately go back to using the Drachma.  The fact of the matter is that Greece is in the midst of a depression, and will have to enact more austerity measures to comply with terms of a forthcoming bailout.  Austerity+economic depression=no good.  I think this situation is bound to deteriorate even more in the coming months.  Nevertheless, the can has been successfully kicked down the road for the time being.

    This morning’s payroll report was stronger than anticipated.  Unemployment was stagnant at 8.3%, but 227k jobs were added in February.  There were also upward revisions to December and January’s jobs reports.  Expectations were for +210k jobs, so this is a fairly positive report.  However, it is worth noting that 12.8 million Americans are unemployed, and 5.4 million have been out of work for six months.

    As I am writing this, mortgages have started to sell off more rapidly.  I think that we are ultimately going to see a slow grind toward higher rates over the coming weeks.

    A Few of Our Popular Rates and Products*:

    Mortgage Product Mortgage Rates APR
    30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.625% 3.741%
    20 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.500% 3.661%
    15 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.000% 3.060%
    30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage 3.625% 4.975%
    15 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 3.500% 3.670%
    30 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 4.375% 4.474%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage 2.375% 2.752%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Conforming Jumbo Mortgage 2.750% 2.711%

    ***Mortgage change frequently. These rates were quoted at 1:10 A.M., on March 9, 2012. Call 877-868-2503 for more details.***

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    Category: Mortgage Rates

  2. Current Mortgage Rates for Thursday, March 8, 2012

    By on March 8, 2012

    Stocks are rallying this morning, at least partially on expectations that the Greek debt swap is going to succeed today.  The Greeks need to get at least two thirds of their bond holders to agree to swap old debt for new debt, taking a haircut in the process.  According to a Bloomberg article this morning, they have at least 60% of the investors committed to a swap.  If the swap succeeds, the Greek debt can will be kicked down the road for at least the time being.  I expect Spain will become the European problem du jour shortly, but a temporary resolution to the Greek problem could clear the way for rates to rise.  The deadline for the deal is 3PM today.

    The thing that could really cause mortgage rates to rise is tomorrow’s employment report.  Initial weekly unemployment claims data was weaker than expected today, and I do not anticipate a huge number tomorrow.  But if the Greek swap succeeds and we get a big employment number tomorrow, we could see rates spike.  I think it is unlikely, but there is a non-zero chance that it happens.

    This afternoon is going to be interesting, and tomorrow morning will be even more interesting.  If you’re waiting on locking in a loan, you may want to do it now.

    A Few of Our Popular Rates and Products*:

    Mortgage Product Mortgage Rates APR
    30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.625% 3.741%
    20 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.500% 3.661%
    15 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.000% 3.060%
    30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage 3.625% 4.975%
    15 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 3.500% 3.670%
    30 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 4.375% 4.474%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage 2.375% 2.752%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Conforming Jumbo Mortgage 2.750% 2.711%

    ***Mortgage change frequently. These rates were quoted at 1:10 A.M., on March 8, 2012. Call 877-868-2503 for more details.***

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    Category: Mortgage Rates

  3. Current Mortgage Rates for Wednesday, March 7, 2012

    By on March 7, 2012

    Yesterday saw the largest stock market sell-off of 2012, and mortgage rates improved as a result of the corresponding rally in mortgage backed securities and treasury bonds.  The sell-off in equities was largely driven by an expectation of slowing growth in China, the possibility of war in the middle east, and uncertainty surrounding tomorrow’s Greek debt swap.  Today we are seeing an early rally in stocks, partially as a result of the favorable ADP employment report this morning, and party as a response to yesterday’s sell-off.

    I don’t think we are going to see substantial market movement today because I think that everyone is holding their breath waiting for tomorrow’s Greek debt swap.  The Greek government now appears to be using the explicit threat of a default to get bondholders to go along with the debt swap.  There are too many complicating factors involved in the potential swap (English law bonds, Greek law bonds, what will trigger CDS, etc.) to really guess as to what will actually happen.  Whatever happens will not likely fundamentally alter Greece’s problems, and they will likely have to leave the Euro, but the outcome from tomorrow could change the direction of the markets in the short term.

    Looking past the debt swap, there is the employment report scheduled for Friday, and that also has the potential to cause significant market movement.  So if you are looking for a mortgage, note that we could see a large swing in rates in either direction by the end of the week.

    Some of Our Most Popular Rates and Products*:

    Mortgage Product Mortgage Rates APR
    30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.625% 3.741%
    20 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.500% 3.661%
    15 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.125% 3.331%
    30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage 3.625% 4.975%
    15 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 3.500% 3.670%
    30 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 4.375% 4.474%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage 2.375% 2.752%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Conforming Jumbo Mortgage 2.750% 2.711%

    ***Mortgage fluctuate all the time. The above rates were quoted at 1:00 A.M., on March 7, 2012. Call 877-868-2503 for more details.***

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    Category: Mortgage Rates

  4. Current Mortgage Rates For Tuesday, March 6, 2012

    By on March 6, 2012

    There are no economic reports scheduled to be released today, so most market movement that we see will be a result of other news items, and there are a few issues that are causing stocks to sell off while mortgage backed securities and treasury bonds rally.  Generally speaking, those issues are rising tensions in the middle east, uncertainty other Thursday’s Greek debt exchange, and the apparent economic slowdown in China.

    Considerable uncertainty surrounds the upcoming Greek debt swap.  If less than 66% of Greek’s debt holders agree to swap their old debt for new debt (taking a considerable haircut in the process), there is no deal.  If more than 75% of Greek debt holders agree, there is a deal and a cramdown, if more than 95% agree, there is a deal and no cramdown.  If the number falls between 66%-75%, it is somewhat unclear what happens.  In any case, there is still the possibility that we see some sort of disorderly Greek default, and that has the markets spooked this morning.

    China announced this morning that it would cut its annual GDP target from 8% to 7.5%.  This is the first cut in target growth in eight years.  Slowing growth in China will likely have an adverse impact on the worldwide economy, and this is also roiling markets today.

    Lastly, there is the possibility of conflict between Israel (and maybe the United States) and Iran looms over everything. Tensions have been ratcheted up over the past several weeks and war is a distinct possibility.  War in the middle east could cause the price of oil to skyrocket (especially if the Straight of Hormuz is closed).  This would put a huge damper on the global economy.

    In light of all the bad news, we are seeing mortgage rates fall today.  The possibility remains that this is a temporary reprieve.  If the Greek swap goes well on Thursday, and positive employment numbers come out on Friday, we could give back all the ground we are making up today and more.  I still think that the stage is set for rates to increase over the next couple of months because the U.S. economy appears to be slowly improving.

    Some of Our Most Popular Rates and Products*:

    Mortgage Product Mortgage Rates APR
    30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.625% 3.741%
    20 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.500% 3.661%
    15 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.125% 3.331%
    30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage 3.625% 4.975%
    15 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 3.500% 3.670%
    30 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 4.375% 4.474%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage 2.375% 2.752%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Conforming Jumbo Mortgage 2.750% 2.711%

    ***Mortgage fluctuate all the time. The above rates were quoted at 1:12 A.M., on March 6, 2012. Call 877-868-2503 for more details.***

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    Category: Mortgage Rates

  5. Current Mortgage Rates for Monday, March 5, 2012

    By on March 5, 2012

    There are two big events that will dominate economic headlines this week and set the stage for the direction of mortgage rates for the near future.  The first is this month’s payroll report, due at the end of the week.  Employment numbers have been slowly improving over the past few months, and a bigger than anticipated number could cause rates to spike.  The consensus prediction on Bloomberg is for a gain of 204,000 jobs in February.

    The second big event involves – surprise – Greece.  This Thursday is the due date for Greece’s swap-offer deadline.  75% of private borrowers need to vote in favor of the deal in order for it to move forward.  The details are complicated, and quite frankly, somewhat boring, but the point is this: there is the potential for a major market moving event on Thursday.  It is very difficult to predict what will happen here, but if this deal falls apart, there will be major ramifications on our financial markets.

    I think the whole week will be a run-up to these two events, and I don’t believe that we will see much movement in rates until Thursday.  We will see the standard fluctuations in rates, but I think they will remain largely range bound as everyone holds their breath for Thursday.

    While we do not know what is going to happen, there is the distinct potential that we could see higher rates at week’s end.  If you’re looking to get a new mortgage in the near future, it may make sense to lock your rate now to avoid the risk of rising rates.

    Some of Our Most Popular Rates and Products*:

    Mortgage Product Mortgage Rates APR
    30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.625% 3.741%
    20 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.500% 3.661%
    15 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.125% 3.331%
    30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage 3.625% 4.975%
    15 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 3.500% 3.670%
    30 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 4.375% 4.474%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage 2.375% 2.752%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Conforming Jumbo Mortgage 2.750% 2.711%

    ***Mortgage fluctuate all the time. The above rates were quoted at 1:10 A.M., on March 5, 2012. Call 877-868-2503 for more details.***

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    Category: Mortgage Rates

  6. Current Mortgage Rates for Friday, March 2, 2012

    1 By on March 2, 2012

    After a busy week of economic data, there are no reports today.  In the absence of any significant news, I anticipate that mortgage rates will remain range bound today, and will end the day more or less unchanged.

    As always, the Greek debt situation looms large over the markets that most influence rates.  There is a good deal of question as to what is going to end up happening in Greece, how big of a haircut holders of Greek debt will take, whether Greek’s orderly default will trigger credit default swaps, and whether or not Greece will end up having to leave the Eurozone.  With this situation in flux, it is hard to say how it will impact rates moving forward.

    Next week there are a lot of U.S. economic reports, and there could be a lot of upward pressure on rates.  Factory orders and the ISM Non-manufacturing Index are released on Monday, ADP employment on Wednesday, Jobless claims on Thursday, and non farm payroll on Friday.  The employment reports, in particular, have the potential to cause rates to spike.

    If you are looking for a new mortgage, it may be wise to lock in a low rate now.  I believe that it is likely we will see rates slowly grind higher in the near term, and I think we may have left record low mortgage rates behind for quite some time.

    Some of Our Most Popular Rates and Products*:

    Mortgage Product Mortgage Rates APR
    30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.625% 3.741%
    20 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.500% 3.661%
    15 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.125% 3.331%
    30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage 3.625% 4.975%
    15 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 3.500% 3.670%
    30 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 4.375% 4.474%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage 2.375% 2.752%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Conforming Jumbo Mortgage 2.750% 2.711%

    ***Mortgage fluctuate all the time. The above rates were quoted at 1:00 A.M., on March 2, 2012. Call 877-868-2503 for more details.***

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    Category: Mortgage Rates

  7. Current Mortgage Rates for Wednesday, February 29, 2012

    By on February 29, 2012

    We could see mortgage rates increase on strong economic data today.  Yesterday rates were flat on somewhat mixed data, but this morning’s reports are stronger than expected, and show that the U.S. economy is continuing to improve (except for housing, which is still in the toilet – and yes, that is sort of like saying, “hey this ship is perfectly seaworthy if you ignore the gaping hole this iceberg put in the hull”).

    The two major reports this morning were Gross Domestic Product and the Chicago Purchasing Managers Index.  Both reports were stronger than anticipated.  The GDP in the 4th quarter of 2011 was revised upward to 3.0%, compared to a consensus of 2.8%.  Chicago PMI came in at a level of 64, compared to consensus expectations of 61.  Both of these reports indicate that the economy is improving.

    Finally, Ben Bernanke testified before Congress this morning on monetary policy.  In a nutshell, he said that the employment situation is improving a little faster than expected, but housing remains a drag on the economy.  The long and short is that conditions warrant keeping rates low through late 2014, but the Fed Chairman gave no indication that the Fed will undertake any additional easing in the near future.

    So what does all this mean for mortgage rates?  Rates are increasing right now, and will probably finish up on the day.  I think that it is likely we will see a gradual increase in rates in the near term.

    Some of Our Most Popular Rates and Products*:

    Mortgage Product Mortgage Rates APR
    30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.625% 3.741%
    20 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.500% 3.661%
    15 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.125% 3.331%
    30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage 3.625% 4.975%
    15 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 3.500% 3.670%
    30 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 4.375% 4.474%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage 2.375% 2.752%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Conforming Jumbo Mortgage 2.750% 2.711%

    ***Mortgage fluctuate all the time. The above rates were quoted at 1:05 P.M., on February 29, 2012. Call 877-868-2503 for more details.***

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    Category: Mortgage Rates

  8. Current Mortgage Rates for Tuesday, February 28, 2012

    3 By on February 28, 2012

    This week is highlighted by a lot of economic reports that could potentially cause mortgage rates to rise.  This morning, three reports were released, and two of the reports were weaker than anticipated.  As a result, we will likely see mortgage rates stay flat or improve somewhat.

    Durable Goods orders were shown to have declined by 4% in January, which is the largest decline in three years.  While this is worse than expected, it is important to realize that Durable Goods orders tend to be very volatile month-t0-month.  This report, while very weak, is not the end of the world.  The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index was also released this morning, and it showed that home prices in December fell by 4% from the previous year, and by 1.1% from November.  I believe that we are in for even more home price declines in the coming year in most markets.  I will have more on this later, but there is a massive amount of shadow inventory fed by foreclosures (and more foreclosures are on the way), and there is still a paucity of demand for homes.  Lastly, Consumer Confidence increased by more than anticipated in February.  Confidence is at a one year high, but I don’t know how long that is going to last if gas prices continue to spike.

    These three negative reports should prevent rates from rising today.  Despite the reprieve, I still believe we could see rates rise gradually in the near future.  GDP is reported tomorrow, and there are a variety of economic reports due out on Thursday.  Favorable numbers could cause rates to rise.

    Some of Our Most Popular Rates and Products*:

    Mortgage Product Mortgage Rates APR
    30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.625% 3.741%
    20 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.500% 3.661%
    15 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.125% 3.331%
    30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage 3.625% 4.975%
    15 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 3.500% 3.670%
    30 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 4.375% 4.474%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage 2.375% 2.752%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Conforming Jumbo Mortgage 2.750% 2.711%

    ***Mortgage fluctuate all the time. The above rates were quoted at 1:00 P.M., on February 28, 2012. Call 877-868-2503 for more details.***

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    Category: Mortgage Rates

  9. Current Mortgage Rates for Tuesday, February 21, 2012

    By on February 21, 2012

    The Greeks, the EU, the IMF, and the ECB have ostensibly struck a deal over the Greek debt issue.  A bailout will be provided to the Greeks, assuming that the Greeks can live up to their end of the bargain (which is comprised of austerity measures and cuts that will not be popular in Greece).  Greece is already in the midst of a depression, and new cuts aren’t going to improve matters.  Many still think that there is a substantial chance that Greece will end up having to leave the Eurozone.  At best, this deal seems to buy Greece and the Troika some time to work out a more permanent solution to this problem (assuming that one exists).

    We could see rates move somewhat higher today on this news, but right now the markets are more or less flat, and I don’t think rates will spike as a result of the debt deal.  I would guess that most people are dubious of this deal, and see that it could fall apart at any time.

    There’s not a lot of other news on the horizon today, and I doubt that we will see significant market movement one way or the other.  If you are looking for a new mortgage, be aware that a resolution to the situation in Europe could cause rates to spike at any time.  If you are looking to buy a home or refinance, you may want to lock your loan while rates are still near record lows.

    Some of Our Most Popular Rates and Products*:

    Mortgage Product Mortgage Rates APR
    30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.625% 3.741%
    20 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.500% 3.661%
    15 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.125% 3.331%
    30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage 3.625% 4.975%
    15 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 3.500% 3.670%
    30 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 4.375% 4.474%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage 2.375% 2.752%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Conforming Jumbo Mortgage 2.750% 2.711%

    ***Mortgage rates change often. The above rates were quoted at 12:50 P.M., on February 22, 2012. Call 877-868-2503 for more details.***

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    Category: Mortgage Rates

  10. Current Mortgage Rates for Friday, February 17, 2012

    By on February 17, 2012

    Mortgage rates increased yesterday on positive employment news yesterday, and are likely to increase again today as it appears that a resolution to the Greek debt crisis may finally be on the horizon (although we have heard this before, and seen the deal fall apart at the last minute). I believe that even if there is a resolution, it will be a very short term solution.  I cannot help but maintain my position that Greece will have to leave the Eurozone for its own good.  There is an article in the Atlantic this week that says that Greece is on pace for the worst recession in modern history.  Unemployment is raging, especially amongst those under 25, and I think protests against particularly punitive austerity measures will only grow in intensity.  So I think any solution will be a very short term solution, and we will see this situation flare up again sooner rather than later.

    In other news, the Consumer Price Index report came in slightly below expectations this morning, rising 0.2% in January (expectations were for a 0.3% increase).  There is not a lot of other economic data on the horizon today, and Monday is a holiday for the markets so whatever happens today will hold through Tuesday morning.

    I think it is unlikely that we will see a significant spike in rates, but we could be primed for a steady increase over the next couple of weeks, especially if the situation in Greece is ostensibly settled.  If you are considering purchasing or refinancing, it may be wise to lock in your rate now.

    Some of Our Most Popular Rates and Products*:

    Mortgage Product Mortgage Rates APR
    30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.625% 3.741%
    20 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.500% 3.661%
    15 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage 3.125% 3.331%
    30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage 3.625% 4.975%
    15 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 3.500% 3.670%
    30 Year Fixed Conforming Jumbo 4.375% 4.474%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage 2.375% 2.752%
    5/1 Adjustable Rate Conforming Jumbo Mortgage 2.750% 2.711%

    ***Mortgage rates change often. The above rates were quoted at 1:10 P.M., on February 17, 2012. Call 877-868-2503 for more details.***

    Continue Reading…

    Category: Mortgage Rates

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