Mortgage Rates Bounce Back

By: Matthew Graham •

Mortgage rates had a fairly decent day yesterday as far as most lenders are concerned.  A few lenders saw fit to bump rates up in the afternoon following a day of weakness in the bond market (which directly affects the rates lenders can offer).  Because a majority of lenders did NOT make that mid-day adjustment, they were always likely to do so with today's first rate sheets--especially if bonds didn't improve overnight.

Not only did bonds not improve today, but they weakened a bit more.  This made lenders' decisions easy.  With that, the average conventional 30yr fixed quote moved back up to levels last seen on May 9th and 10th.  In outright terms, some loan scenarios will be an eighth of a percentage point higher in rate while others will merely be looking at a reasonably big bump in closing costs (certain upfront costs can be increased in lieu of higher interest rates, depending on the lender).

 See Rates from Lenders in Your Area

Tomorrow brings the minutes from the most recent Fed meeting.  Fed communications always have the potential to cause volatility for rates although this one stands nearly as much chance to do no harm. 


Loan Originator Perspective

Interest rates continued their slow ascent today, despite weak existing home sales data.  While we've lost ground for 4 days now, the losses have been minimal and current pricing is still appealing.  With markets closing early Friday for Memorial Day weekend, the rest of the week doesn't hold much potential drama.  I'm locking loans closing within 30 days, going case by case on those closing 45 days out. -Ted Rood, Senior Originator


Today's Most Prevalent Rates

  • 30YR FIXED - 4.125-4.25%
  • FHA/VA - 4.0%
  • 15 YEAR FIXED - 3.875% 
  • 5 YEAR ARMS -  3.875-4.25% depending on the lender


Ongoing Lock/Float Considerations 

  • Early 2019 saw a rapid reevaluation of big-picture trends in rates and in markets in general

  • The Federal Reserve has been a key player, and while they aren't the ones pulling the global economic strings, their response to the economy has helped rates fall more quickly than they otherwise might.

  • Based on the Fed's laundry list of concerns, the bond market (which determines rates) will be watching economic data closely, both at home and abroad.  The stronger the data, the more rates could rise, while weaker data could lead to new long-term lows.  
  • 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.