Mortgage rates hit their lowest levels of THE month yesterday, and the lowest levels in A month today.  It's a bit of a technicality, really.  As of yesterday, there were a few days in mid-to-late October that saw lower rates.  Today's drop means we'd need to go back to early October to see anything lower. 

What's the significance of being at the lowest levels in a month?  None, really.  It's just really fun to be able to say such things in an environment where such things haven't been easily said for quite some time!  Perhaps more relevant and more tangible is the fact that we can say rates are nearly an eighth of a percentage point lower on the week, and that's a decent move regardless of the environment.

Next week brings the Thanksgiving holiday, which tends to make mortgage lenders set rates more conservatively (secondary mortgage market is much less active than normal, starting on Wednesday afternoon).  As such, gains of this size are certainly worth considering from a lock/float standpoint.  In terms of tactical improvements amidst the broader trend toward higher rates, this is about as good as we've seen.

Loan Originator Perspective

Bonds enjoyed a green week, posting gains (minimal or not) all 5 days.  Treasury yields are nearing early October lows, but the improvements aren't fully reflected on my rate sheets yet.  I'll float new applications till Monday, for clients with a modicum of risk tolerance.  -Ted Rood, Senior Originator

Today's Most Prevalent Rates

• 30YR FIXED - 5.0%
• FHA/VA - 4.5%-4.75%
• 15 YEAR FIXED - 4.5%-4.625%
  
• 5 YEAR ARMS -  4.375%-4.875% depending on the lender

Ongoing Lock/Float Considerations 

• Rates continue coping with several big-picture headwinds, including: the Fed's rate hike outlook (and general policy tightening), the increased amount of Treasury issuance to pay for the tax bill (higher bond issuance = higher rates), and the possibility that fiscal stimulus results in higher growth/inflation (which certainly seems to be the case so far in 2018).
  
  
• While rates were able to recover and stay sideways in the summer months, September and October have seen a surge up to the highest levels in more than 7 years. 
  
  
• Upward pressure can continue as long as economic growth and inflation continue running near long-term highs.  Stay defensive (i.e. generally more lock-biased).  It will take a big change in economic fundamentals or geopolitical risk for the big picture to change.  Such things tend to not happen as quickly as we'd like.

• 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.