Monthly Archives: March 2010

Trouble with ADP is that they have a history of missing the number, and by huge margins more often than they get close

March 31, 2010

Trouble with ADP is that they have a history of missing the number, and by huge margins more often than they get close. To them, within tolerance is 3 standard deviations! Continue reading →

Given all the possibilities and potential market moving data, best bet is to use the float down and lock your Austin mortgage rates

March 30, 2010

We still feel that valuations are in nose bleed territory and if they roll over, a 10% correction could be in the cards. That would help mortgage pricing as well. Given all the possibilities and potential market moving data, best bet is to use the float down and lock your Austin mortgage rates. Continue reading →

In a nutshell, borrowers need to be wary of waiting to lock in this market

March 30, 2010

In a nutshell, borrowers need to be wary of waiting to lock in this market. The potential for worsening Austin mortgage prices is high as our work projects 4.0% on the 10 year before we see 3.75% (currently 3.88%). If there is a White Knight, it could come via an Employment Report (7:30 am cst Friday) that is well below expectations, say flat to negative. Continue reading →

That scenario has a high probability (in our opinion) and brings with it lower Austin mortgage rates

March 30, 2010

Given the Fed’s exit from MBS purchases, their steering of quantitative easing ala Austin mortgage rates hike sooner than later, and a fragile housing market that must be content will mean more inventory and less stimulus, a case for the double dip can certainly be made. That scenario has a high probability (in our opinion) and brings with it lower Austin mortgage rates.
Continue reading →

Correction for Earlier Austin Mortgage Blog Post

March 29, 2010

Correction: The March 29 edition of Inside Lending reported on maximum seller contributions for FHA loans that will go into effect Monday April 5. The reduction of allowable seller concessions from 6% to 3% for FHA loans is a proposed change. The FHA has NOT announced if or when this change will be put in place. Continue reading →

Austin Mortgage Market Update – For the week of March 29, 2010

March 29, 2010

February existing home sales were down for the third month in a row, but the 0.6% drop was less than expected. We had severe winter weather putting a damper on things and we’re still seeing the hangover from sales pushed into October and November when everyone thought the homebuyer tax credit was going away. February new single-family home sales were down 2.2%. But the median price of $220,500 was UP 5.2% over last year and the average price of $282,600 was a strong 9.3% UP from a year ago. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) expects existing home sales to be UP almost 4% this year to 5.34 million, going to 5.72 million in 2011. They see new home sales hitting 398,000 in 2010 and 528,000 the following year. Continue reading →

Ready, set, buy! How to trade in your house for another by summer

March 28, 2010

Follow our step-by-step guide to be in a different house by summer. Get preapproved for a mortgage: This is a simple process you should undergo before you start looking for a house, so you know how much of a loan you qualify for, says Max Leaman, a senior loan officer for PrimeLending in Austin. Continue reading →

Although the market has done better today, the reflex rally has yet to do anything impressive

March 26, 2010

Although the market has done better today, the reflex rally has yet to do anything impressive. Typically this leads to a neutral, inside day with the pattern not strong enough to overtake the bearish sentiment of the past two days. Usually, this type of short term bottom leads to a period of stalls and allows the moving averages to “catch up” to the market. We expect that with month end buying, the market could make a run for 3.83% yield on the 10 year note (currently at 3.86%) before rolling over and retesting the bottom ( heading back to 3.93%). Continue reading →

Austin Mortgage Rates Rise on Weak Auctions

March 26, 2010

A combination of factors was negative for mortgage markets this week, and Austin mortgage rates ended higher. Large budget deficits and economic troubles in smaller European Union nations made bonds less attractive to global investors. Continue reading →