Mortgage rates mostly held steady today, despite a move higher in broader interest rate indicators like the 10yr Treasury yield.  Treasuries and mortgage rates typically track each other quite well, but that relationship has broken down in recent weeks due to the rapid drop in rates and the increase in volatility.  The mortgage sector has a much tougher time adjusting to new realities compared to Treasuries.

In other words, mortgage rates haven't been able to move lower nearly as quickly (though they have still managed to hit their lowest levels since 2016).  The upside to that problem is that we get days like today where Treasury yields rebound without significantly damaging mortgage rates.  In fact, many lenders are offering the same rates seen on Friday.  


Loan Originator Perspective

 See Rates from Lenders in Your Area

Bond markets retreated slightly today, hardly a surprise (or bad thing) after last week's runaway gains.  My pricing is similar to Friday's, still near our recent multi-year lows.  I'm locking loans closing in September, and looking at some of October's closings as well.  -Ted Rood, Senior Originator


Today's Most Prevalent Rates

  • 30YR FIXED - 3.5 - 3.625%
  • FHA/VA - 3.25-3.5%
  • 15 YEAR FIXED - 3.125 - 3.375% 
  • 5 YEAR ARMS -  3.375-3.75% depending on the lender


Ongoing Lock/Float Considerations 

  • 2019 has been the best year for mortgage rates since 2011.  Big, long-lasting improvements such as this one are increasingly susceptible to bounces/corrections.

  • Fed policy and the US/China trade war have been key players

  • The Fed and the bond market (which dictates rates) will be watching economic data closely, both at home and abroad, as well as trade war updates. The stronger the data and trade relations, the more rates could rise, while weaker data and trade wars will lead to new long-term lows.  
  • 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.