Mortgage markets improved this week as positive economic data was overshadowed by geopolitical strife. A flight-to-quality drove buy-side activity in mortgage bond markets, which, in turn, helped conforming rates fall.
Monthly Archive: January 2011
Jan 28
Fantastic!! New Home Sales Reach 8-Month High
Sales of new homes rose sharply in December, posting a 17.5 percent gain from the month prior. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Home Sales climbed to 329,000 in December, besting November by close to 50,000 units on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Last month’s reading is an 8-month high for New Home Sales, and…
Jan 26
A Simple Explanation Of The Federal Reserve Statement (January 26, 2011 Edition)
Today, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 10-to-0 to leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged within its target range of 0.000-0.250 percent. In its press release, the FOMC noted that since December’s meeting, economic growth is ongoing, but at a pace deemed “insufficient” to make a material impact on the jobs market. In addition…
Jan 26
The National Home Price Index Holds For November, No Decline In Values
Home values were reported unchanged in November 2010, on average, according to the Federal Home Finance Agency’s Home Price Index. We say “on average” because the government’s Home Price Index is a data composite for the country. The index doesn’t measure citywide changes in places like Boise, however values in the “Mountain” region fell -1.9%. (Click on the link to read the complete story!)
Jan 25
The Fed Meets Today. What It Means To Mortgage Rates.
The Federal Open Market Committee begins a 2-day meeting today in Washington D.C. It’s the group’s first meeting of 2011 — one of 8 scheduled for the year.
Jan 24
Mortgage Rates for Boise Idaho This Week: January 24, 2011
Mortgage markets worsened last week in a holiday-shortened trading week. For the second straight week, conforming and FHA mortgage rates increased.
Jan 21
Home Supplies Plummet, Putting Upward Pressure On Home Prices
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, seasonally-adjusted, annualized Existing Home Sales figures climbed by more than a half-million units in December as compared to November. It’s the 3rd straight month of home resale improvement nationwide.
Jan 20
Building Permits Surge In December; Signals A Strong Spring Housing Market
According to theCensus Bureau’s report, Housing Starts of single-family homes fell to 417,000 units on a seasonally-adjusted, annual basis. The figure marks a 9 percent drop-off from November, and is the lowest reading since May 2009.
Jan 19
Home Builders Seeing More Foot Traffic, But Slowed By Economy
Homebuilder confidence held firm for the second straight month this month, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
Jan 18
Mortgage Rates for Boise Idaho This Week: January 18, 2011
RATS! Mortgage markets worsened late last week on a turn-around in sentiment across the Eurozone. The sort of “safe haven” buying that had buoyed mortgage bonds since the New Year dissipated, and mortgage rates resumed climbing. Last week marked the first week since the end of 2010 that mortgage rates have risen, breaking a 2-and-a-half-week rally.