It’s a Great Time to See if Refinancing is Right for You

Mortgage markets improved last week, pushing mortgage rates lower for the 6th time in seven weeks.

Since April, rates in Iowa have been on a downward path, pushing refinances in most markets and sparking the start of a Refi Boom.

Last week, 3 key stories played a role in falling rates:

1. Demand was strong for U.S. government debt
2. Emerging concerns of a Japan-style deflation in the U.S.
3. Personal Spending since late-2007 was shown to be less than previously thought

Of the three, it’s the measured drop in Personal Spending for which rate shoppers and home buyers in Ankeny should watch. Drops in spending slow down the economy which, in turn, tends to pull mortgage rates lower.

Long-term, deflation could be a drag on rates, too. For now, though, it’s just a conversation among academics and economists.

If you haven’t yet locked in a lower rate with a mortgage professional, I’d be happy to help you crunch the numbers.  All of my contact information is on the right hand side of this blog post.

Specifically, What Did Those Reports Say?

Each week, I put up an economic calendar of news coming out that following week.   Here’s the what actually happened with those reports last week:

What Impacts Mortgage Rates?

If you’re looking to purchase or refinance a home, it’s important to know what moves mortgage rates.  There are normally two major things that impact the direction:

1. Economic News.  (Like the calendar above).
2. International News. (major events, pending legislation, war related news, etc).
3. Stock Market. (Money flows from equities (stocks) to bonds when it seeks shelter).

What Are Rates Based On?

It’s been mentioned before, but as a common reminder – mortgage rates are only based on one thing, Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS).  The only way you have access to these is through live bond quotes.

Looking For Mortgage Rates?

If you’re looking for specifically what mortgage rates are doing, I’d be happy to help with a custom rate quote.  Each scenario is different (there are 27 different factors a mortgage rate is determined by).  If you or someone you currently know are looking for a mortgage, I’m here to help!

Information without obligation.  That’s my policy.  If you like what you hear, my team and I would love to help you out with your mortgage!  Our contact information is on the top right hand side of this page!

Tagged as: Deflation, Mortgage Rates, Non-Farms Payroll