Mortgage markets worsened last week as concerned of a global debt crisis lessened and stock markets rebounded. The gains in stocks came at the expense of bonds — including mortgage bonds. Conforming and FHA mortgage rates rose for the first time in 5 weeks, pulling mortgage pricing off its best...

Mortgage markets improved to their best levels of 2010 last week, aided by events half a world away and ongoing safe haven buying.  Greece’s debt problems continue to help mortgage rate shoppers around the country. Conventional mortgage rates dropped last week, ARMs falling more than fixed....

Mortgage rates and home affordability have improved lately, thanks to an unlikely ally — Mother Nature. In the 7 days since Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull erupted, ash clouds have grounded planes, disrupted businesses, and stranded exports in warehouses worldwide. It’s a drag on commerce...

Mortgage markets improved last week for the second week in a row.  And, also for the second week in a row, rates were down on “safe haven” buying — just not for the same safe haven reasons as before. If you’ll remember, safe haven buying is when investors sense market risk,...

Mortgage markets tanked last week, raising rates to their highest levels in a month. Most of the losses occurred Wednesday in what was the worst 1-day mortgage market performance in more than 6 months. Even Friday’s rally could barely dent the losses. Most of the movement was tied to geopolitical...

Don’t forget that the end of the first time home buyer tax credit is in sight, and I have heard nothing about any extensions. Borrowers need to be in contract by April 30 and close by June 30. Seattle Mortgage Rates, Seattle Home Loans, Washington home loans, Washington Mortgage Rates Related...

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced some lending changes. If you or someone you know is considering an FHA loan, some of these changes may affect you. Here’s a brief review of the major changes. Increased mortgage insurance – The mortgage insurance premium (referred to as private mortgage...

Mortgage markets worsened last week on general profit-taking in the U.S. bond market, combined with talk of a coordinated rescue effort for Greece and its debt burden. Mortgage-backed bonds sold off, causing conventional and FHA mortgage rates to rise. There wasn’t much hard data on which to...

The economy’s improving but lending standards are not. Nationally, banks are making mortgage approvals harder to come by. Underwriting guidelines are tightening. The data comes from the Federal Reserve’s quarterly survey to its member banks.  The Fed asks senior bank loan officers around...

Mortgage markets improved last week on domestic jobs data and international banking concerns. The news triggered buying in the bond market and, as a result, conventional, FHA and VA mortgage rates improved for the 4th consecutive week. Mortgage rates are now at a 6-week low but probably shouldn’t...