Blog
Mortgage Rates are Actually Near 2 Month Highs
Mortgage rates may have managed to hold steady to slightly lower, but it’s important to understand that today’s rates are still significantly higher than Tuesday’s. In fact, there have only been two days with higher rates in the past two months and yesterday was one of them. Th
Just what are you waiting for and why are you waiting?
Far too many people spend their entire lives waiting for that glorious day when the perfect opportunity presents itself to them. Too late, they realize that each day held opportunity for those who sought it out. If you have not formulated a plan for what you would like to accomplish in your life, don’t wast
IRS Red Flags: What cause an audit?
The chances of being audited depends on many factors – income level, deductions claimed, the type of business you have – and while there’s no sure way to avoid an audit, there are things to do to not draw attention to yourself. JUST THE TOUGH OF AN IRS AUDIT is enough to send most peop
Potential Impacts of Lower Conforming Loan Limits
In the November edition of CoreLogic’s e-magazine MarketPulse, Kathryn Dobbyn looks at the potential impact of lower conforming loan limits on the mortgage market. These limits, which set maximum amounts for conforming loans purchased or guaranteed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae (the GSEs) and are gene
On the Horizon
As in the previous weeks, investors are anxiously awaiting the Fed’s decision regarding tapering. With every dovish word from a Fed official, investors gain hope and markets post gains; with every hawkish comment suggesting a closer tapering, investors lose confidence and markets suffer
Mortgage Rates Back up to Recent Highs
Mortgage rates moved decidedly higher today, bringing most lenders back in line with their highest recent rate sheet offerings from November 12th. In many cases, this may result in a quoted rate being an eighth of a percentage point higher today compared to yesterday, depending on the lender and scenario.&n
Weaker After Data; How Much Should you Blame the Holiday?
Today offers a very interesting set of circumstances to consider for MBS and mortgage rates. First, we can safely assume that rate sheets have been erring conservatively heading into the extended weekend and less-liquid month-end environment. It’s tempting to pass the weakness off as purely a fa
Short Sales Becoming Less Favorable For Lenders
RealtyTrac reports that the nature of distressed property sales is evolving. In its most recent report on market and distressed sales, the company noted that changing economics are increasing the reliance on more traditional third party purchases at foreclosure auctions rather than the lender/borrower negot
The Day Ahead: ADP Employment, New Home Sales, and ISM Services
Yesterday – Data-free day proved frustrating for MBS – Despite Treasury Improvements, MBS lost ground – Lenders repriced in the afternoon, rates at or near 2-mo+ highs – Several potential problems ‘ganging-up’ on MBS, some will expire by Friday Today – Biggest collecti
Should Homeownship Be Part of Your Retirement Plan?
Homeownership used to be considered the American Dream. Most baby boomers grew up with a goal of owning their own home. Now, many members of the younger generation question whether it is a good idea to buy real estate. No wonder -– having watched the housing market collapse five years ago, combined with a d
Mortgage Rates Highest in More than 2 Months
Mortgage rates moved higher today, bringing them to their worst levels since the morning of September 18th. The average 30yr fixed rate for the most ideally qualified borrowers was already on the move up at the end of last week, but today’s weakness solidifies the move up from 4.375 to 4.5% (best-exe
Extra-Low 15-Year Mortgage Rates Will Reduce Your Payments 65%
The 15-year fixed rate mortgage has emerged as this year’s “great mortgage deal”. For mortgage applicants who can manage the monthly payments of a 15-year loan, the benchmark product is worthy of consideration. 15-year mortgage rates are extremely low as compared to equivalent 30-year produ