Monthly Archives: November 2010

Austin Mortgage Market Update – For the week of November 22, 2010

November 22, 2010

Last Wednesday, the Commerce Department reported that Housing Starts dropped 11.7% in October. This drop put Housing Starts at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 519,000, their lowest level in 18 months. But most of the fall off came from a 43.5% decline in multifamily construction, a volatile part of the market. Single-family building, accounting for more than 80% of all starts, was off just 1.1%, to 436,000 units. And September single-family starts were revised UP to a 2.1% gain. Meanwhile, Building Permits, which reflect builders’ views of the future, were UP 0.5% to 550,000, another hopeful sign. Continue reading →

The Austin Business Journal Ranks PlainsCapital Bank Fourth in SBA 7(A) Lending

November 19, 2010

The November 12 edition of the Austin Business Journal ranked PlainsCapital Bank as the fourth largest SBA 7(A) lender. The rankings are based on dollar amount of 7(A) loans approved, Oct. 2009-Sept. 2010, to businesses in Austin-area counties including Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell. Continue reading →

What’s Going On With Texas Mortgage Rates?

November 19, 2010

After reaching the lowest levels in history, Texas mortgage rates have shot higher over the past two weeks. There is not a simple explanation for why this increase in Texas mortgage rates occurred, but looking at the many factors which are influencing Texas mortgage rates right now will help to understand what’s going on. Continue reading →

We feel that near term price action will focus on further downside (higher Austin mortgage rates/worse pricing) as we have yet to find a bottom

November 18, 2010

We feel that near term price action will focus on further downside (higher Austin mortgage rates/worse pricing) as we have yet to find a bottom. If there is a ray of hope, it will be that the 10 year note can hold at or below 2.95% (currently 2.93%). Best bet for Texas mortgage borrowers is to stay defensive. Before the market picks your pocket, lock your mortgage loans with the float down option (“option to lower your interest rate one time”)! Continue reading →

Market is Slipping Again; Best bet for Austin mortgage borrowers is to use the float down option

November 16, 2010

Given the economic backdrop (high unemployment, etc.) we feel this move is close to a bottom. Trouble is, picking bottoms are like catching falling knifes, hard to do without some pain. Best bet for Austin mortgage borrowers is to use the float down option (“option to lower your interest rate one time”) to guard against a reversal (rally). Continue reading →

Currency wars is what this is all about and the Fed is getting exactly what it hoped for, consumer expectations of rising inflation to shut the door on deflation

November 15, 2010

Currency wars is what this is all about and the Fed is getting exactly what it hoped for, consumer expectations of rising inflation to shut the door on deflation. This was evidenced in last week’s Michigan Sentiment Survey. With QE2 priced in “before” it happened and the negative connotations mentioned above, treasuries have continued to be slaughtered, sending credit costs higher, doing nothing to stimulate the economy. Look for the Fed to try and talk rates back down. Continue reading →

Austin Mortgage Market Update – For the week of November 15, 2010

November 15, 2010

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that home prices stayed essentially flat in the third quarter compared to the same time frame a year ago. This price stabilization is encouraging, given that sales of existing homes in the period did drop compared to both the prior quarter this year and to the same quarter a year ago. Of course, both those time periods saw buyers rushing in to take advantage of the federal tax credits. Continue reading →

HomePath Mortgage – Frequently Asked Questions

November 12, 2010

HomePath Mortgage – Frequently Asked Questions – The real estate industry is buzzing about HomePath Fannie Mae acquires homes through foreclosure. Buyers can finance these properties with only 3% down. HomePath rates are excellent. No appraisal required, nor is mortgage insurance! Continue reading →

Austin mortgage rates to stay low into yearend and beyond

November 5, 2010

This country needs to see jobs growth of at least 250K per month just to break even. That will take time allowing Austin mortgage rates to stay low into yearend and beyond. Continue reading →

Market reaction favors steady to slightly worsening Austin mortgage pricing

November 4, 2010

Market reaction favors steady to slightly worsening Austin mortgage pricing. With the rally over the past few days, risk reward in not in your favor, Austin mortgage borrowers, unless the print reflects negative jobs growth. Continue reading →