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Should I float? Should I lock? - Daily Update for Wednesday, January 23, 2008

By
Mortgage and Lending with Amerisave Mortgage Corporation

Here are the daily thoughts on floating or locking if you are asked by your clients. 

As always - consult your favorite mortgage professional who will be able to offer the best advice for YOUR unique situation.

Though a slow week in terms of scheduled economic news, it has been a busy week in terms of fears, over reacting, and amazing events.  Yesterday, the Fed dropped the Fed Funds rate 3/4 of a point down to 3.5%, which in turn lowered the Prime Lending rate to 6.5%.  The last time the Fed dropped the rate like this was back in 1984.  The last time the Fed dropped the rate outside of a regular scheduled meeting was just after the 9/11/2001 attacks. 

Stock Markets around the globe gave a mixed message to the Fed's decision yesterday.  China's and Japan's stock markets both rallied while Europe's markets all fell.  Our own markets show a continued downward trend.

Technically speaking - the FNMA 5.5% 30 year bond has appeared to broken through 2.5 years high making mortgage rates appear to be dropping even further. Even with bonds still in an overbought state it appears some of the old truisms are not holding. 

The flight from risk to safety is appearing to hold, so while the stock market continues to slide then the recommendation will be to

...    float.

 

Edit - Stock Market has recovered.  Bonds have lost what they got at the beginning of the day.  It would be best to

     Lock!

To learn why one should Float or Lock -

                          Check out Should I float? Should I lock? & Reasons to Float or Lock

Comments (8)

Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Matthew,

The stock market went crazy yetserday. Your post brings good hope.

Regards

Tom Braatz

Jan 23, 2008 12:30 AM
Diane Aurit
LKN Realty, LLC - Mooresville, NC
Lake Norman Real Estate
What a time to be in your business!  Another great update...it will be interesting to watch what happens today!
Jan 23, 2008 12:35 AM
Matthew Rosov
Amerisave Mortgage Corporation - Laurel, MD
Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist
Yes, we are probably the only industry that exalts in bad news!
Jan 23, 2008 12:52 AM
Matthew J Blum - (retired from the business)
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Matthew, Great names think a like..lol you are so right.. how low will she go?
Jan 23, 2008 03:00 AM
Matthew Rosov
Amerisave Mortgage Corporation - Laurel, MD
Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist
Matthew - Good Question! ;-) 
Jan 23, 2008 04:04 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate
Hi Matt - I would agree at the moment it is a wait and see kind of market. It would be nice to think the fed rate drop will have an effect for the better on long term rates but we know that may not be the case. FYI - you may want to put the tracking software on the right side bar instead of in the post, otherwise I don't think it will track anything but this post.
Jan 23, 2008 04:57 AM
Matthew Rosov
Amerisave Mortgage Corporation - Laurel, MD
Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist
Bill - thanks for the comment and the suggestion!
Jan 23, 2008 05:00 AM
Eric Webster
Five Star Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty

Fear, Overreacting and Amazing Events-  oh my!

It seems to be all too common in way to many circumstances.  But that, probably, is a rant better left for a different forum, or day.

Good post Matt, thanks.

Jan 23, 2008 12:32 PM