Category: Blog
Mortgage Rates Rise Gently From 7-Month Lows
Financial markets are still reeling from political headlines that first began circulating on Tuesday afternoon. While stock markets made a reasonable attempt to retrace yesterday's big move lower, bond markets weren't as interested. Fortunately, that means mortgage rates moved modestly higher, leaving t
For Bonds, Worst Day Since Late June ECB Scare
Bonds sold off aggressively today, for a combination of reasons that are tremendously unsatisfying in a traditional market-watching sense. For example, it would be nice if we could point to something tidy and logical like all-time high stock prices, or the stronger Consumer Confidence data, but at
RIP Forever Homes: Millennials More Inclined to Move
Say goodbye to the idea of a “forever home.” No, I’m not talking about taking home a rescue pup. Instead, I’m referring to the antiquated idea of buying that dream house and living there forever. A recent community survey from Taylor Morrison shows that over half (56 pe
Refi Applications Strengthened on Last Week’s Lower Rates
A decline in purchase mortgage applications cancelled out most of a moderate increase in refinancing during the week ended July 21. Nonetheless, the Mortgage Bankers Association said its Market Composite Index eked out a slight gain. The Index was up 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis and 1.0 pe
MMG Weekly: Retail Sales and Housing Starts Disappoint
Last Week in Review: The cha-ching didn’t register at retailers in May. Housing Starts disappointed. Inflation remained tame. “Don’t bring me down.” Electric Light Orchestra. Despite gains in April, consumers slowed down their purchases in May. Remember: Weak economic news normally ca
Bonds Battle Back After Fed Foregoes Surprises
Today's focus was understandably on the Fed Announcement, and indeed, most of the movement followed it. But interestingly enough, the biggest volume spikes occurred at other times, and that helps explain the day's paradoxical movement. So what's the paradox? Quite simply, it made very little sense to see as
Freddie Singing a Different Tune on Housing/Mortgage Outlook
On November 30, 2016 Freddie Mac's economists issued their monthly Outlook which, in light of the sudden surge in interest rates earlier that month, was decidedly gloomy. MND's coverage of the forecast elicited a lot of concern from readers, especially when we quoted Freddie Mac that, un
Bonds Look to Data and Month-End For Breakout Potential
Whereas the previous week was generally devoid of significant economic data or market moving events, the current week is more of a contender. On the data front, there are relatively important reports throughout the week including a key inflation report on Friday (PCE). Given the extent to which Fed sp
Cash Deposits for a Mortgage: What Borrowers Should Document
Cash deposits for a mortgage can raise questions because a lender must verify the funds you plan to use and consider whether any money was borrowed. If you are buying a home, a deposit needed for your down payment, closing costs, or reserves may require an explanation and a record of its source. The right documen
Historical Mortgage Rate Commentary
Historical mortgage-rate commentary This post is retained for visitors following an older link. It describes a past market update and is not current mortgage-rate guidance, a rate quote, lock recommendation, or loan offer. Mortgage pricing and available terms vary by lender, loan type, property, credit profile,
FICO Score 10 Suite: A 2020 Credit Score Announcement
Historical note: This article records an announcement from January 2020. It is not a statement that a particular credit-score model will be used for your mortgage application today. For current home-purchase planning, see our purchase mortgage guide. What FICO announced in 2020 On January 23, 2020, FICO announce
Don’t Worry, Housing Only “Feels” Unaffordable
Housing, at least according to Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist Sean Becketti, isn't unaffordable. It just feels that way. Becketti, in a recent post on the company's Perspectives blog, says the media is full of headlines that decry the costs faced by homebuyers today.&nbs