Mortgage rates were unchanged to slightly higher today, keeping them in line with their highest levels in more than 2 weeks, depending on the lender.  Bond markets (which underlie mortgage rates) were in slightly better shape this morning, but that failed to translate to rate sheet improvements due to bond market weakness on Friday afternoon. 

There were no significant economic reports or market moving headlines for bonds/rates today, but that will quickly change as the week progresses.  Wednesday brings a key inflation report--the Consumer Price Index (CPI).  Markets are also interested in any meaningful tax bill headlines, including the vote scheduled for the House version of the bill on Thursday. 

Amid this potential volatility, it's safer to assume the recent trend toward higher rates will remain intact until we see a strong move lower.

Loan Originator Perspective

Rather sedate day in rate markets today, with small gains by early PM trading.  My rate sheets mirrored Friday's.  There's not a lot of economic data on tap this week, and with President Trump's Asian trip failing to ignite any international drama, I'm not sure where markets will focus.  I don't see a lot to be gained by either floating/locking, probably best to lock if within 30 days of closing. -Ted Rood, Senior Originator

Today's Most Prevalent Rates

• 30YR FIXED - 4.0%
• FHA/VA - 3.75% 
• 15 YEAR FIXED - 3.375%
  
• 5 YEAR ARMS -  2.75 - 3.25% depending on the lender

Ongoing Lock/Float Considerations

• 2017 had proven to be a relatively good year for mortgage rates despite widespread expectations for a stronger push higher after the presidential election in late 2016. 
  
  
• While rates remain low in absolute terms, they've moved higher in a more threatening way heading into the 4th quarter, relative to the stability and improvement seen earlier in 2017
  
  
• The default stance for now is that this trend toward higher rates has the potential to continue.  It will take more than a few great days here and there for that outlook to change.
  
  
• For weeks, this bullet point had warned about recent stability inviting a bigger dose of volatility.  That volatility is now here.  As such, locking is generally the better choice until the volatility is clearly dying down.

• Rates discussed refer to the most frequently-quoted, conforming, conventional 30yr fixed rate for top tier borrowers among average to well-priced lenders.  The rates generally assume little-to-no origination or discount except as noted when applicable.  Rates appearing on this page are "effective rates" that take day-to-day changes in upfront costs into consideration.