The Mortgage Reports Blog

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (August 14, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. I welcome emails from readers about purchase or refinance plans.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (August 7, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. I welcome emails from readers about purchase or refinance plans.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (July 31, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. I welcome emails from readers about purchase or refinance plans.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me, if you want.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (July 17, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. I welcome emails from readers about purchase or refinance plans.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me, if you want.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (July 10, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. I welcome emails from readers about purchase or refinance plans.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me, if you want.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (July 3, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. You're welcome to email me about your pending plans to purchase or refinance.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me, if you want.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (June 26, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. You're welcome to email me about your pending plans to purchase or refinance.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me, if you want.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (June 19, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. You're welcome to email me about your pending plans to purchase or refinance.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me, if you want.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (June 12, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. You're welcome to email me about your pending plans to purchase or refinance.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me, if you want.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (June 5, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. You're welcome to email me about your pending plans to purchase or refinance.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me, if you want.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (May 29, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. You're welcome to email me about your pending plans to purchase or refinance.
3. I twitter market updates a few times daily.  Follow me, if you want.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (May 22, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. Asking "Where are rates headed?" is not mortgage strategy -- it's a mortgage gamble.  You can always call or email me for help with your personal mortgage plan.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (May 15, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. Asking "Where are rates headed?" is not mortgage strategy -- it's a mortgage gamble.  You can always call or email me for help with your personal mortgage plan.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (May 8, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. Asking "Where are rates headed?" is not strategy -- it's a gamble.  Reach out to me directly for help with a personal mortgage plan.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (May 1, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. Asking "Where are rates headed?" is not strategy -- it's a gamble.  Reach out to me directly for help with a personal mortgage plan.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (April 24, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. Asking "Where are rates headed?" is not strategy -- it's a gamble.  Reach out to me directly if you'd like expert help on your mortgage plans.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (April 10, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available. 

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. Asking "Where are rates headed?" is not a mortgage strategy -- it's a mortgage gamble.  Talk to me if you want planning guidance for 6-9 months ahead.

Here are the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (April 03, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available. 

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. Asking "Where are rates headed?" is not a mortgage strategy -- it's a mortgage gamble.  Talk to me if you want planning guidance for 6-9 months ahead.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (March 20, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available. 

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. Your mortgage strategy should be broader than just asking "Where are rates headed?"  If you don't have a mortgage strategy, reach out to me and we'll talk about it.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (March 13, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available. 

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only
2. Your mortgage strategy should consist of something more than just asking "Where are rates headed?"  If you don't already have a mortgage plan, reach out to me and I can help you make one.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (March 6, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (February 28, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (February 21, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (February 14, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (February 7, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (January 31, 2008)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (January 24, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (January 17, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (January 10, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (December 20, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (December 13, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (December 6, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (November 29, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 33% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 42% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 25% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"If the Fed cuts rates Dec. 11, the dollar will free-fall, pushing mortgage rates higher. Markets expect that cut to happen."

A weak dollar decimates the value of mortgage bonds, and with less value comes lower demand.  This is well chronicled.

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (November 15, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 16% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 25% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 59% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"Mortgage rates will move opposite the U.S. dollar, and the dollar should continue to lose value."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (November 8 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 50% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 29% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 21% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"Stagflation is ruining the dollar and mortgage bonds are suffering. Rates go up."

I would also add that China is killing the dollar, too, but that's yesterday's news.

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (October 25, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

Note: the survey only covers conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 31% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 38% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 31% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"Little-watched corners of the market are signaling that the other shoe is about to drop for collateralized debt obligations. As mortgage bonds get more risky, mortgage rates go up."

Thank you, Noah, for reminding me how deep the list of mortgage rate influencers really is.  ABX is an interesting mathematical commentary.

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (October 18, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

It's important to note that the survey only covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 17% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 17% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 66% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"The reports of inflation's demise are greatly exaggerated. Mortgage rates will move higher."

I've been talking about this Data vs. Psychology thing for a while now.

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (October 11, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

It's important to note that the survey only covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 33% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 17% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 50% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"The September jobs report showed that the economy was stronger than previously expected. Mortgage rates will increase through the Fed's next meeting Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 in response.

I talked a little bit about this last week.

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (October 4, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

It's important to note that the survey only covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 28% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 27% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 45% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"Money is flowing back into stocks at the expense of mortgage bonds. Rates will move higher as a result."

I talked a little bit about this earlier in the week.

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

It's important to note that the survey only covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 28% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 27% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 45% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"Money is flowing back into stocks at the expense of mortgage bonds. Rates will move higher as a result."

I talked a little bit about this earlier in the week.

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (September 27, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

It's important to note that the survey only covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 60% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 18% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 22% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"It's not recession, and it's not inflation -- it's somewhere in between. The unknown is scary to investors."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (September 20, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

It's important to note that the survey only covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 46% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 23% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 31% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will remain unchanged over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"It's 'wait and see' mode until the Fed meets again October 30-31."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

It's important to note that the survey only covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 46% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 23% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 31% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will remain unchanged over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"It's 'wait and see' mode until the Fed meets again October 30-31."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (September 13, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

It's important to note that the survey only covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 8% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 50% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 42% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"The Fed will disappoint more people than it will please with its Sept. 18 action (or nonaction). Mortgage rates head higher."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to floating your mortgage by not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (September 6, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

It's important to note that the survey only covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans.  If you are a jumbo, Alt-A, or sub-prime mortgage holder, the survey is not for you.  If that's the case, email or call me and we can talk about the specifics of your situation.

Anyway, on the group's predictions for the next 30-45 days:

• 14% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 50% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 36% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will decrease over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"There is finally evidence that the economy is slowing down. Markets will drive down mortgage rates -- even if the Fed stands pat."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (August 30, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.  I am a little frightened that every person surveyed predicts at least a decrease.  We can't all be right.  Can we?

• 0% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 77% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 23% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will decrease over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"As the Fed signals a slowing economy, the dollar strengthens and renders mortgage bonds a more attractive investment option globally. Look for a return of liquidity to lower pricing in some mortgage niches, too."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (August 23, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

• 0% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 69% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 31% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will decrease over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation, and I am singling out conforming loan sizes.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"The Fed signaled that inflationary pressures may be subsiding. This is good news for mortgage rate shoppers because inflation erodes the value of mortgage bonds. No inflation, no erosion."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (August 16, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

• 31% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 38% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 31% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation.

From the Bankrate.com survey (and I got a little wordier than normal this week):

"The groups that helped keep rates low by buying mortgages are staying on the sidelines for now. The best way to attract those groups back is to offer them higher rates on their investments."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (July 26, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

• 14% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 50% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 36% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"There's a credit scare happening in mortgage markets. More risk premium pushes mortgage rates higher."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (July 19, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

• 15% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 35% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 50% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"As the stock market rallies through the summer, money to fuel the surge will come from bonds.  Less demand pushes mortgage rates higher.

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (July 12, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

• 9% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 28% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 63% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will remain unchanged over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"A little up, a little down. Overall, no change."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to not locking.

Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (July 5, 2007)

I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

• 45% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 18% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 37% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will decrease over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"We've all overreacted at some point in our lives; traders are no different. The reversing of their bets will edge mortgage rates lower."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to not locking.