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Zero Interest Rate Policy on the way ?

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Mortgage and Lending with Liberty One Lending

Do we need further interest rate cuts?? FED Chairman seems to be on a cutting spree and likely continue to cut rates and probably keep cutting. However, it is a tricky game of allowing people to borrow (take on debt) to spend more to help an ailing economy.

In terms of real estate, we need further cuts to help a struggling real estate market as the 2% rate cuts have not impacted or significantly reflected in a drop in mortgage rates.

Are we headed to 0 % or ZIRP (Zero interest rate policy?)

Not since the 1930's, (after the Great Depression) have we had ZIRP monetary policy. However, I am hearing it more and more... and it may not be that far-fetched, since we have seen rates drop 2 points about 2 months, , another 2 ¼ points over the year is not much and would get us to 0%.

What is the net effect ?? we need lower interest rates (maybe not ZIRP) to stimulate the economy,  housing and hopefully, get mortgage interest rates to move lower to stimulate the economy' .

However, its a Catch-22, as we have to be careful not to create another Real Estate Bubble with people buying more home than they can afford with these lower rates

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Ron Yarbrough
PrimeLending - Camdenton, MO
Ron Yarbrough

The fed lowering rates does not reflect in the Mortgage Backed Security pools.  There is no direct correlation.  Mortgage Backed Securities will begin to reflect lower interest rates as soon as investors begin buying them up again.  Right now there is no money to park anywhere.  Lately you have seen the long term interest rates coming down a little due to the very low yields on Treasuries.  Investors feel more comfortable buying mortgage backed securities because they are essentially backed by the Fed Government as well and pay a higher yield.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac along with the US Treasuries have been issuing a lot of supply.  When demand picks up more you will see some low rates.  I believe we should see 5% 30 year Fixed.

http://www.RonYarbrough.com

Nov 23, 2008 12:50 AM