Time to Refinance?

Is it time to refinance your mortgage?  Probably!

The rate on a 30-Year Mortgage has steadily dropped from already low rates. Although rates can vary by region and lender, the national average has dropped from  nearly 4.5% to under 3.5% over the last 6 months.

The drop in mortgage rates corresponds with a recent drop in the 10-Year Treasury Bond.  The market for these bonds does not directly effect mortgage rates, but it is good indicator of their direction.  In fact, movement of the 10-Year Treasury Bonds almost exactly mirrors movement of 30-Year Mortgage rates over the past 5 years:

As of February 24, 2020, the yield on the 10-Year Treasury bonds were near record lows.

Does this suggest record low mortgage rates?

Yes!  The current mortgage rates are already near record lows.

Will mortgages rates drop further (don’t they drop when the bonds drop)?

Not Necessarily.  Mortgage rates are not directly effected by bond rates — there are many factors that determine mortgage rates.  And, a drop in bond rates may reflect market conditions that are already “baked in” to current mortgage rates.

The recent precipitous drop in bonds may be largely a reaction to the coronavirus, and fears of its effects on the global economy.  Yet, those fears and the current bond yields at least hint at a continuation of low rates, if not a drop in rates.

Disclaimer – if we could predict where mortgage rates will go, we would be on a tropical beach, not writing this blog.  Rates could go up or down. Mortgage rates are already CRAZY LOW and its probably time to refinance if you haven’t already!

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Another Great Real Estate Year?

Will 2013 Outpace 2012 for Another Great Year in Real Estate?

It was a great year for real estate. Yes, 2012 was “great” for real estate! We finally saw a marked improvement in sales both in Dane County and the State. Dane County sales were up by over 22%. Homestead Title outpaced the market with an increase of 40% in 2012! In addition, sales related to foreclosures showed a steady decline for the entire year. This is all great news.

In addition, there has been good economic news with lower unemployment and a surge in the stock market. As so often happens, this has corresponded with higher interest rates. Rates on 30 year mortgages ticked up last week. If you haven’t refinanced, NOW may be the time or you might just miss this historic window.

So how does 2013 look? It is way too early to tell, but the early returns hint at another strong year. Anecdotally, things look great: Facebook and twitter are lighting up with Realtors and Lenders celebrating an incredible start to 2013. Reliable statistics aren’t in, but Homestead Title’s early numbers suggest that 2013 is off to an even better start than 2012. Homestead Title’s sales orders are up over 40% from this time last year. In fact, this has been the best January we’ve ever had.

Here’s to a GREAT 2013 in real estate!

 

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Is it worth the time and money to refinance?

Many people have media-fatigue when it comes to interest rates. It seems like 10 straight years of constant chatter that “interest rates are near historic lows.” Once again, the news, radio ads, and constant phone calls are imploring people to refinance because “rates are at or near historic lows.” Many people shrug this off and ignore it, happy with their already “historically low” interest rate. This can be a mistake. The reality is that, with a dragging economy, mortgage rates have once again dropped.

Rates ARE at Historic Lows!

Interest rates are indeed at historic lows and, for most people, it makes economic sense to refinance. At this time last year, consumers heard the same drumbeat about low rates. And the news was all true – rates were at historic lows, with 30 year rates at about 4.5%. Today, many banks are offering rates of 3.85% on a 30 Year mortgage. Once again, rates have hit record lows. But many home owners just don’t believe the hype.

Lender and Realtors will tell you that there is no better time to borrow or buy. From the standpoint of interest rates, this certainly appears accurate. Indeed, even if a homeowner purchased or refinanced this summer, it can still make perfect financial sense to refinance again. With interest rates almost a full point (ten basis points in lending terms) lower than early summer, a homeowner with a $225,000 mortgage can save over $130 per month. And, a first time homebuyer has incredible purchase power, with the combination of lower home values and incredibly low interest rates.

Is an ARM an Option?

It is hard to believe that mortgage rates could go any lower. Of course, we’ve all been saying this for 10 years. Still, most people would say it is crazy to pass on locking in on a 30 year mortgage at rates in the 3’s. Then again, how many people own the same house for more than 30 years? Most people move before the end of 10 years. Indeed, it is very common to move every 5-7 years. If you know that you will not be in the same house 4 or 5 years from now (your kids will be in college, your family will outgrow the house, your already thinking of a move), then an adjustable rate loan (an ARM) could be an incredible cost savings. Some banks are offering 5-Year Adjustable Rate Loans at 3.2% or lower. Using the same example above, a homeowner with a 5% interest rate might save $235 per month for the next 3-5 years.

The Challenges of Refinancing

There are challenges to refinancing. Of course, there is the paperwork and time. And there is also the increased standards and scrutiny. Gone are the days when a poor credit score could be overlooked. And gone are the days of easy appraisals. With housing values near or below levels seen 8-10 years ago, many homes simply don’t appraise for enough to support a new loan. For homeowners with decent credit and a lot of equity in their homes, these are not insurmountable hurdles. And, any homeowner thinking of refinancing should work with their lender and never assume they simply won’t qualify.

All of this is to say, believe the hype. Interest rates ARE at historic lows and it IS a great time to buy or refinance. Don’t pass up an incredible opportunity to save money or buy the home of your dreams.

Homestead Title is not a lender and does not provide any loan products. We do provide incredible service and great rates for Wisconsin buyers, sellers, and home owners wishing to refinance their loans.

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