What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 7, 2014

Last week's economic news included readings on February construction spending and multiple reports on employment data. Private sector employment was higher in March, but The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Non-Farm Payrolls for March fell short of expectations. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates ticked upward. Employment And Unemployment News ADP's payrolls report for March was higher than February's reading, with 191,000 new private sector jobs added. In February, 178,000 jobs were added. February's reading originally showed 138,000 new jobs added. While analysts were confident that private-sector employment was showing signs of stability, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics…
Read More

Are Interest Rates On The Rise – What’s The Next Move?

As the federal reserve continues to taper quantitative easing measures, financial experts project mortgage interest rates will climb in the next two years. Could this be the much awaited ray of light at the end of the proverbial tunnel for builders and investors or will it drive hesitant home buyers to dig in and shelter in place? Homeowners who are vacillating between refinancing for a lower interest rate and staying the course may find the time has come to make a decision. Shrinking unemployment numbers and rising retail sales figures signal that the economy is improving. Even if no one…
Read More

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 31, 2014

Last week's economic news includes several reports about housing markets. The S&P Case-Shiller 10 and 20 city housing market indices, the FHFA House Price Index, New Home Sales and Pending Home sales reports suggest that the national housing market continues to grow, but at lower rates. Regional readings varied and suggested that winter weather was a negative influence on affected markets. In a press conference held on March 19 Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said that severe winter weather had interfered with the Fed's ability to get a clear reading on economic developments. The Case-Shiller 10 and 20-City Home Price…
Read More