Mortgage Rates Maintain Flat Trajectory Ahead of Fed

By: Matthew Graham •

Mortgage rates have been on a tear recently, moving sideways with reckless abandon.  Since the middle of February, the "effective rate" (based on actual rate sheet offerings and upfront costs) has held inside a narrow range of 4.52% and 4.58%.  This lies in stark contrast to the persistent move higher during the first month and a half of 2018 which saw the same effective rate rise from roughly 4.0% into the 4.5% range. 

When rates are as flat as they are on the approach to a key market event like this Wednesday's Fed announcement.  We often see a break in that narrow range after the key event.  For now, there's no reason to believe Wednesday WON'T be such a day this time around.  Even if Wednesday turns out to be a dud in terms of its impact on rates, it's always safest to plan for the risk (or opportunity) of a sharper move in rates for better or worse.

 See Rates from Lenders in Your Area


Loan Originator Perspective

Bonds recouped early losses today, despite a lack of meaningful data.  There's no meaningful data on the economic calendar before Wednesday's Fed decision and statement.  Both treasury yields and MBS prices are still squarely within recent ranges.  I'm continuing to lock early until I see improvement lasting more than a day or two.  -Ted Rood, Senior Originator


Today's Most Prevalent Rates

  • 30YR FIXED - 4.5-4.625%
  • FHA/VA - 4.375%
  • 15 YEAR FIXED - 3.875%
  • 5 YEAR ARMS -  3.5-3.75% depending on the lender


Ongoing Lock/Float Considerations

  • 2017 had proven to be a relatively good year for mortgage rates despite widespread expectations for a stronger push higher after the presidential election in late 2016. 

  • While rates remain low in absolute terms, they moved higher in a more threatening way heading into the beginning of 2018

  • The scariest part of the move higher looks like it ended as of early February, and rates have been generally sideways since then

  • Even so, the potential remains for more weakness (i.e. higher rates).  It makes more sense to remain defensive (i.e. more inclined to lock) until we've seen a more convincing shift lower.
  • Rates discussed refer to the most frequently-quoted, conforming, conventional 30yr fixed rate for top tier borrowers among average to well-priced lenders.  The rates generally assume little-to-no origination or discount except as noted when applicable.  Rates appearing on this page are "effective rates" that take day-to-day changes in upfront costs into consideration.