Mortgage markets improved last week on domestic jobs data and international banking concerns. The news triggered buying in the bond market and, as a result, conventional, FHA and VA mortgage rates improved for the 4th consecutive week. Mortgage rates are now at a 6-week low but probably shouldn’t be. It underscores just how important global… Continue Reading
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week : February 1, 2010
In a news-heavy week, mortgage markets improved last week, adding to a 3-week rally. But, given last week’s data and domestic story lines, it’s surprising that rates actually fell. The Federal Reserve said the economy continues to strengthen Consumer Confidence pushed to a 2-year high 4th Quarter domestic output exceeded Wall Street’s expectations Usually, events… Continue Reading
The Federal Reserve Statement: In Plain English
The Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate within its target range of 0.000-0.250 percent. In its press release, the FOMC noted that the U.S. economy “has continued to strengthen”, that the jobs markets is getting better, and that financial markets are supportive of growth. There was no mention of the… Continue Reading
Existing Home Sales Plummet. The Reason is Simple.
Just one month after from blowing away Wall Street, December’s Existing Home Sales hit the skids, shedding nearly 17 percent and falling to a 4-month low. Don’t be alarmed, though. The plunge was expected. And not just because Pending Home Sales cratered last month. When November’s Existing Home Sales surged, it was clear to observers… Continue Reading
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week : January 25, 2010
Conforming and FHA mortgage rates improved last week on the combination of weaker-than-expected economic data and new anti-banking rhetoric from the White House. The S&P 500 shed nearly 4 percent in its worst weekly showing since October 2009 as all 10 sectors fell. As the money left stock markets, it made its way to bonds… Continue Reading
More FHA Changes on the Horizon
Today FHA announced new policy changes in respect to a strengthening of their finances and risk. In order to provide homeownership opportunities for millions of Americans, they will need to increase their capital reserves. They will also need to change their risk model in order to continue to provide homeownership possibilities for underserved communities. What… Continue Reading
Social Media Bootcamp for Realtors a Success
Today was the first ever Social Media Bootcamp for Real Estate Professionals put on by Bill Risser and Paul Guenther from Chicago Title Gilbert. The Realtors that attended this camp had an extensive list of homework that they had to complete before they were given the location of the venue. The idea was that we… Continue Reading
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week : January 11, 2010
Data was sparse through 2010′s first trading week last week, setting the stage for a week of momentum trading. In up-and-down trading, mortgage pricing improved overall but the best rates of the week didn’t last long. Rates improved Monday and Tuesday as an oversold market corrected itself to better price points. Then, in anticipation of… Continue Reading
Looking At The 2010 Predictions For Housing Markets And Mortgage Rates
2010 is just a few days old and already the “experts” are making predictions for the year. Housing calls and mortgage rate predictions run the gamut: Home prices will fall in 2010 Home prices will rise in 2010 Mortgage rates will rise in 2010 Mortgage rates will rise by a lot in 2010 Given how… Continue Reading
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week : January 4, 2010
Mortgage markets were relatively flat last week during holiday-shortened trading. After starting the week with a Monday surge higher, mortgage rates settled down thorough Tuesday and remained somewhat flat into the early-close for New Year’s Eve. However, as compared to the 4-month low posted post-Thanksgiving, conforming mortgage pricing has now worsened by more than 300… Continue Reading