Sluggish Economy Keeping Low Mortgage Rates in Place

Recently reported data regarding U.S. jobs is having a negative impact on global markets throughout the world. As stocks have suffered, the sluggish economy is keeping low mortgage rates in place as investors continue to choose safe assets.

Freerateupdate.com's daily survey of wholesale and direct lenders show that mortgage rates have remained stable for the past week as a result of uneasiness that continues to flood the markets. Current 30 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.875%, 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.250% and 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are at 2.625%. On the bright side, the majority of consumers are employed and, with good credit, can take advantage of these historical low mortgage rates. With housing prices down, this can be a win-win situation for many and an opportunity that may never happen again. These low conforming rates are available with 0.7 to 1% origination point to well qualified borrowers who can meet lender guidelines to receive approval.

FHA mortgage rates also continue to be low. Many consumers choose FHA mortgage loans because they are consumer friendly since it is goal of FHA to promote homeownership. FHA 30 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.750%, FHA 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.500% and FHA 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are at 2.750%. Despite FHA's higher closing costs (APR), which is due to the upfront mortgage insurance premium and other FHA fees, borrowers find FHA's benefits assist in making the overall transaction affordable. A down payment of 3.5% is accepted with a credit score as low as 580, but FHA mortgage rates are not affected by low credit scores. FHA also allows borrowers to use gifts that meet the guidelines, as well as housing grants to reduce FHA mortgage loans.

The only change this week was with jumbo 30 year fixed mortgage rates which are at 4.625%, a decrease of .125%. Jumbo 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 4.375% and jumbo 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are at 3.250%. Since jumbo mortgage loans are not government insured, borrowers must have excellent credit in order to receive lender approval. These are the lowest jumbo mortgage rates available with 0.7 to 1% origination fee to well qualified borrowers.

With the end of the summer season here, August statistics have started to roll in. Consumer Confidence continues to drop below forecast which is never good news for the economy. According to S&P/Case-Shiller, home prices increased 3.6% during the second quarter of this year, but this is still a drop from last year. The Chicago PMI Manufacturing Index also fell. The big news is the job market which continues to struggle. With no new jobs added in August, U.S. investors as well as global markets started to react on Friday as they fled stocks and turned to safe investments. This will continue to be a news maker in the week ahead as the President prepares to address the job situation on Thursday.

FreeRateUpdate.com surveys more than two dozen wholesale and direct lenders’ rate sheets to determine the most accurate mortgage rates available to well qualified consumers at a standard .07 to 1% point origination fee.


Written by Ed Ferrara
September 7, 2011

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