Largest One Week Jump in More Than a Year
Mortgage markets worsened terribly last week. While more reports of an improving economy and fears of pending inflation, mortgage rates skyrocketed to their highest levels since April 2010.
According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates made their largest 1-week jump in more than a year last week, tacking on 0.24 percent and bringing the average national 30-year fixed mortgage rate up to 5.05%. In my opinion, not a bad rate. Not a bad rate at all.
In some markets though, rates are even higher.
Since bottoming out in Freddie Mac’s November 11th survey, conforming, 30-year fixed mortgage rates are now higher by close to a full percentage point. Home buyers in Urbandale and across the nation have lost more than 10% of their purchasing power during that time. But if you’ve been reading for a while, you aren’t surprised.
Rates have also been on a historic run higher, increasing over 9 consecutive days for the first time in almost a decade. That streak ended Friday with rates dropping slightly, and rate shoppers are hopeful the momentum lower continues into this week. So there’s some positive news for your negative headline!
If you’re currently in the market for a mortgage, I’d love to help you out. All of my contact information is on the right hand side of this page!
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:
- Economic News. (Like the calendar above).
- International News. (major events, pending legislation, war related news, etc).
- 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!
