Mortgage Market and Rate Recap – Week of December 1st

by Tyler Osby on December 8, 2008

Mortgage Market Recap Photo


More Americans Are Loosing Their Jobs

On Friday, the Jobs Report reflected a loss of 533,000 jobs in November.  This is literally the most jobs that have been lost in 35 years.  The overall unemployment rate (nationally) rose to 6.7%.

Normally, this would have lead to an improvement with mortgage rates.  However, expectations were very low for this report in the first place.  Big news such as Treasury moves and the Fed seem to be the largest piece of news on everyone’s mind.

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:

Economic Calendar

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 would love to help!

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