Weekly Rates + Market Update

Mortgage bond prices remained nearly unchanged last week holding mortgage rates steady. Trading remained extremely volatile with daily movements in discount points often exceeding 1/2. The Treasury auctioned a total of $66B in two and five-year notes last week in the continuing effort to fund the massive bailout programs recently announced. While neither auction was "stellar," the indirect bidder participation, an indication of foreign central bank demand for US securities, was "decent". Traders remained concerned about the massive supply of new debt being created by the TARP program as the US Government battles the credit crisis.

The Year Ahead
This year begins in a similar fashion to last year. Last year at this time 30 year fixed rate mortgage interest rates were historically low. Most pundits predicted steady interest rate increases with little or no opportunities for additional refinancing. Mortgage interest rates did spike higher as oil prices and inflationary fears hit all-time highs this past summer. Then the global economic turmoil hit full force and economies across the world stumbled. The housing market continued to weaken and the Fed and US Treasury had to step in to buy mortgage-backed securities in an effort to push mortgage interest rates lower. Now, 30 year fixed rate mortgages remain low and once again future predictions are all over the board.

What will occur in the future, economic recovery or additional weakness will continue to be debated. There is no certainty in predictions. But most of the recent signs show the economy continues to struggle at least in the short-term. Data can be used to support both sides of the debate. What we can be certain of is the fact that until the economy gains some stability, mortgage interest rates are likely to be volatile. Historically, mortgage interest rates seem to improve slowly. In contrast, when rates increase, it is often fast and furious. One negative day often erases a month’s worth of improvements.

It is possible for mortgage interest rates to push lower considering the Fed continues to purchase mortgage bonds. However, we are in unprecedented times. While the Fed is trying to push rates lower there are no guarantees. The Fed isn’t the only player in the mortgage bond market and there are many others buying and selling the securities. Remember that the Fed does not directly dictate that mortgage interest rates will be at a certain percentage. Rates are determined by the supply and demand for mortgage-backed securities. As of late, every time the Fed comes in to purchase mortgage bonds, rates have headed lower, only to jump back up as others sell into the Fed buying.

Only time will tell if the Fed can accomplish the goal. With that said, it's a great time to buy or refi with historically low interest rates

Rates for December 26th, 2008 Rates Change Daily. Call for current pricing. #0902429
PROGRAM
30 Year Fixed Conventional 4.875%, 4.988%APR
30 Year Fixed Interest Only 6.50%, 6.613%APR
15 Year Fixed Conventional 4.75%, 4.863%APR
3/1 LIBOR ARM Conventional 5.625%, 5.738%APR
5/1 LIBOR ARM Conventional 5.50%, 5.613%APR
5/1 LIBOR ARM Interest Only 5.75%, 5.863%APR
30 Year FHA/VA 5.50%, 5.726%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 5.50%, 5.601%APR
7/1 Treasury ARM 5.625%, 5.726%APR
*30 Day Locks

ONE-TIME CONSTRUCTION
Conforming & Jumbo (to $8,000,000)
5/1 LIBOR ARM (Conforming) 6.375%, 6.882%APR
5/1 LIBOR ARM (Jumbo) 6.75%, 7.257%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.