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Undecided
if you Should lock your interest rate today.
Here's some thoughts on trying
to Predict the Future of Interest Rates
HERE’S THE INSIDE SCOOP ON HOW TO
DO IT RIGHT!
Choose a lender, that only does lending, has been doing it for
at least 5 years, and does at least 5 transaction per month. A
lender that is doing volume in this market is more aware of what
the current guidelines are (which are constantly changing) and
more likely to get priority for their files in underwriting
(that's is ability to cut in line). If you do want to play the
guessing game think about these 4 things:
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What are mortgage interest rates based on?
(The only correct answer is Mortgage Backed Securities or
Mortgage Bonds, NOT the 10-year Treasury Note. While the 10-year
Treasury Note sometimes trends in the same direction as Mortgage
Bonds, it is not unusual to see them move in completely opposite
directions.)
-
What is the next Economic Report or event that could cause
interest rate movement?
The Fed publishes an economic calendar of weekly economic
reports and events that may cause rates to fluctuate.
-
When the Fed “change rates”, what does this mean…
and what impact does this have on mortgage interest rates?
The Fed makes a move, they
are changing a rate called the “Fed Funds Rate”. This is a very
short-term rate that impacts credit cards, credit lines, auto
loans and the like. Mortgage rates most often will actually
move in the opposite direction as the Fed's change due to the
dynamics within the financial markets.
-
What is happening in the market today and what do you see in the
near future?
If your lender is suggesting you wait to lock till tomorrow,
"ask why" and "what is happening in the Mortgage Bonds and interest
rates today and what is coming
up in the near future that makes you think tomorrow's rate will
be better".)
Now
given all the above, no one can guarantee what tomorrow's rate
will be, and they have 50% change of being right on whether
tomorrow's rate is higher or lower than today's. My advice
is that when you get into contract, confirm the rate that day,
and if you can afford it lock and remove the uncertainty, of
letting it float and potentially go higher and make home
ownership more costly.
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