Mortgage Rate Update 7/24/09

While the economic data released during the week generally matched expectations, the outlook for future economic growth improved due to strong earnings reports, tame inflation data, and a revised forecast from the Fed. Stronger economic growth was good news for the stock market, and the Dow rose over 500 points. It was unfavorable for the bond market, however, and mortgage rates ended the week moderately higher.

On Wednesday, the Fed released its minutes from the June 24 FOMC meeting, and most of the news was negative for mortgage rates. The minutes revealed an upward revision to the Fed’s forecast for economic growth and inflation in 2009 and 2010. In addition, Fed officials expressed a strong reluctance to increase any further the program to purchase mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Mortgage rates are largely determined by MBS prices. When the Fed initially announced its MBS purchase program in November, mortgage rates immediately dropped, and they dropped again significantly when the Fed announced an increase in the program in March. The Fed has a substantial involvement in MBS markets, and any change in this program would have a major impact on mortgage rates.

The housing sector data released during the week showed improvement. June Housing Starts rose 4% to the highest level in seven months. Building Permits, a leading indicator, jumped 9%. The national Association of Home Builders (NAHB) sentiment index increased to the highest level since September 2008. According to the NAHB, the first-time homebuyer tax credit, low mortgage rates, and “attractive” home prices are helping home sales.

For expert assistance with your financing needs, call our in-house mortgage executive, Rick Cannavaro, at (203) 672-2706.

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Here are this week’s rates:

Friday, July 24th, 2009

All rate quotes are for a 60-day lock with 0 points, 5% down payment, and a 720 FICO score.

Conforming limits are up to a $417,000 loan limit*

30 yr conforming fixed: rate = 5.375% APR = 5.580%

15 yr conforming fixed: rate = 5.000% APR = 5.240%

7/1 yr conforming ARM: rate = 5.125% APR = 5.425%

5/1 yr conforming ARM: rate = 4.750% APR = 5.122%

30 yr FHA Fixed : rate = 5.375% APR = 5.563%

30 yr CHFA w/ 1 pt : rate = 5.125% APR = 5.488%

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Jumbo loan limits range from $417,001 to $1,000,000*

30 yr jumbo fixed: rate = 5.750% APR = 6.022%

15 yr jumbo fixed: rate = 5.500% APR = 5.725%

7/1 yr jumbo ARM: rate = **** APR = ****

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CHFA (Connecticut Housing Finance Authority) rates for the week of July 23 – 29, 2009

Homebuyer Mortgage Plan:
Interest rate: 5.125 % (APR range 5.225 – 5.625%)
Fees: Up to One Point (1% Origination Fee) * Payable to Lender
Term – 30 years, fixed rate

Downpayment Assistance Program (DAP)
(Rate listed is for DAP loans with Homebuyer Mortgage Program financing.)

Interest rate: 5.125 % (APR range 5.225 – 5.625%)
Fees: Up to $200 Application Fee * Payable to Lender
Term – 30 years, fixed rate

(NOTE: If at any time the interest rate for the Homebuyer Mortgage Program exceeds 6%, the DAP interest rate will be capped at 6%.)

* Additional fees may apply

*Conforming loan limits listed above are for a single-family owner occupied residence.
Courtesy of The Harriman Team and William Raveis Mortgage

*All rates are subject to change. Minimum down payment and credit score requirements may apply. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified .

William Raveis Real Estate, 465 S. Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410

Tagged as: 06410, Adjustable rate mortgage, CHFA, DAP, interest rate, Jumbo mortgage, mortgage rates