Market Update + Rates, 580 Fico Still Available!

Please make note that Nova Home Loans still allows FICO scores as low as 580 for FHA & VA loans.

Mortgage bond prices remained unchanged for the week keeping mortgage interest rates steady. Trading remained volatile with rates improving the first portion of week. However, some of the data came in surprisingly better than expected Thursday and Friday which caused mortgage bond prices to fall and rates to rise.

There is a Chinese proverb that states, "May you live in interesting times." It is often argued that the word interesting is meant to be a synonym for turbulent or dangerous. This phrase hits the bull’s-eye given the current state of the financial markets. While stocks and bonds are swinging around wildly there is some good news. Interest rates for conforming and FHA/VA loans are still historically low by many standards.

However, low rates are not a given considering the escalating inflation fears that reemerged recently. Oil prices rose most of last week and Fed Chairman Bernanke expressed concerns about "how to wind down the federal balance sheet" and "avoid inflation." When a Fed official mentions inflation it is generally not positive for bonds. Inflation, real or perceived, erodes the value of bonds causing bond prices to fall and rates to rise. The last thing the economy needs now is rising mortgage interest rates. If inflation emerges that very well may happen despite the continued Fed efforts to keep rates low.

Pending home sales jump 3.2%

Dow up 165 as hopes build for a recovery

Please give me a call if you have any financial questions or if you need a second opinion on a loan scenario.


Rates for May 8th, 2009. Rates Change Daily. Call for current pricing. #0902429
PROGRAM
30 Year Fixed Conventional 4.625%, 4.738%APR
30 Year Fixed Interest Only 6.00%, 6.113%APR
15 Year Fixed Conventional 4.25%, 4.383%APR
7/1 LIBOR ARM Conventional 4.25%, 4.363%APR
5/1 LIBOR ARM Conventional 3.75%, 3.863%APR
5/1 LIBOR ARM Interest Only 4.00%, 4.121%APR
30 Year FHA/VA 5.00%, 5.252%APR
*30 Day Locks

JUMBO $417,001+
30 Year Fixed (to $600K) 5.75%, 5.851%APR
15 Year Fixed (to $600K) 5.625%, 5.726%APR
5/1 Treasury ARM 4.75%, 4.851%APR
7/1 Treasury ARM 5.00%, 5.252%APR
*30 Day Locks

ONE-TIME CONSTRUCTION
Conforming & Jumbo (to $8,000,000)
3/1 LIBOR ARM (Conforming) 5.625%, 6.007%APR
5/1 LIBOR ARM (Jumbo) 6.625%, 6.977%APR
*60 Day Locks

6,9,12 and 24 month construction phases available. Construction phase interest only rate = PRIME (5%) + up to 1.25%. Perm. rates guaranteed through construction.Prior to modification, a free one-time float down is available. (30 Year Amortization)
For Realtor purposes only; not for distribution to potential borrowers. Rates are calculated based on no discount points and one origination fee. Conforming rates based on loan amounts greater than $200,000, minimum FICO score 720.