A combination of factors helped Austin mortgage rates improve yet again during the short Thanksgiving week. Strong demand for the Treasury auctions, low inflation, and a fragile economy were all positive for mortgage markets. As a result, mortgage rates dropped to the lowest levels since January.
The U.S. Congress has approved a bill that extends and broadens tax credits that were set to expire this month. The bill extends the credit for contracts signed by April 30th and closing by June 30th. Income limits are expanded to cover more affluent buyers; couples earning up to $225,000 and individuals earning up to $125,000 annually now qualify. It also creates a new $6,500 credit for buyers who have owned their current home for at least five years. Homes worth more than $800,000 wouldn’t be eligible. President Obama is expected to sign the bill as early as tomorrow. As always please contact Max Leaman with any home finance questions or needs (512) 293-1239.
While daily volatility was high this week, Austin mortgage rates ended just slightly lower than last week. The primary factors influencing Austin mortgage rates were offsetting. The economic growth data released this week was stronger than expected, but inflation remained low. While the first two Treasury auctions produced impressive results, the final one was relatively weak.
There were few major surprises in the economic news this week, and little change in the stock market. While there was a great deal of daily volatility, Austin mortgage rates ended the week nearly unchanged.
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