Monthly Archives: July 2009

Auction Results Push Austin Mortgage Rates Lower

July 31, 2009

Mortgage investors were more focused on this week’s Treasury auctions than on the economic data. Overall, demand remained healthy for US Treasury securities, and mortgage rates ended the week a little lower. Major economic reports on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), … Continue reading →

TDHCA 90-Day DPA: $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit for Down-Payment and Closing Costs

July 30, 2009

Program Overview In an effort to monetize the $8,000 tax credit and to assist borrowers with down-payment and closing costs, TDHCA created the 90-Day Down Payment Assistance Program. TDHCA has the authority to offer tax credit advances with second liens. … Continue reading →

Results are what traders call a “bow wow” (dog) showing little demand for that yield and duration

July 29, 2009

The 5 year note auction (39 billion) just hit the tape with very poor response.  The issue created a tail of 5.4 bps (very high and bearish) and bid to cover was a measly 1.92 to 1.  The results are … Continue reading →

Changes in Government Guidelines May Affect Your Closing Dates

July 28, 2009

HERA At-A-Glance What happened? Going into effect on July 30, 2009, the Housing Economic Recovery Act (HERA) contains an amendment to the Truth-In-Lending Act (TILA), named the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act (MDIA). What is the purpose of HERA? The legislation was designed … Continue reading →

FAQ – Housing Economic Recovery Act (HERA) and Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC)

July 28, 2009

1. Does the new legislation change home loan applications taken before these guidelines go into effect? If the purchase property was documented before May 1, 2009, the application is not subject to HVCC. Likewise, if the purchase property was documented … Continue reading →

Volatile mortgage price action as stocks are off 52 points on the big board and bonds trade like a Six Flags ride

July 28, 2009

Bonds, notes and mortgage backs had a nice start to the day, rallying as Consumer Confidence painted a bleak view going forward.  Just out, the 2 year auction results are taking a little wind out of our sails.  Indirect bidders … Continue reading →

We see the selling as shallow into the later part of the week and then a rebound/rally to deliver better mortgage pricing as we close the book on July

July 27, 2009

Both stocks and bonds opened on the weak side this morning. New Home Sales blew the doors off economist’s estimates, up 11% to a seasonally adjusted 384K annual units. Inventories were down to 8.8 months, the lowest level since October … Continue reading →

With stocks in control, the balance of the week could see continued pressure (on mortgage rates) unless someone of substance “misses” on earnings

July 15, 2009

Stocks are on fire, closing up 256 points on the Dow and 63 points on the Naz.  Fixed income products are running for cover, pushing prices through the 38% retracement of the June/July rally.  For the record, the 10 year … Continue reading →

In our opinion, this is a true reflection of the economy. One that has manufacturing falling hard and fast, coupled with increasing unemployment.

July 15, 2009

The winds of change have once again blown through the financial markets.  Just last week, analysts were talking about skyrocketing unemployment, consumer sentiment sliding, and stocks looking to retest the March bottom.  Today, it’s all about the recession being over … Continue reading →

Our longer term view is still the same, low interest rates into yearend as the consumer continues to dig in their heels and look for work

July 14, 2009

The selling which entered the market late yesterday has carried forward today.  Goldman Sachs released 2nd quarter earnings this morning, blowing away the pre-release estimates by nearly a dollar and a half.  Top line growth was respectable as well, posting … Continue reading →