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Big Banks are Originating the Vast Majority of the Market Share

Big Banks are Originating the Vast Majority of the Market Share

Although the mortgage industry is far from being fully recovered, mortgage lending reached a 6 month high during the month of

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FHA Loans: The Difference Between a Conventional and FHA Mortgage

FHA Loans: The Difference Between a Conventional and FHA Mortgage

When applying for a mortgage, most people will hear the terms Conventional mortgage and FHA mortgage, but many will not know

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Potential Results of FHA Tightening on the Market

Potential Results of FHA Tightening on the Market

As the sub prime loan industry melted, FHA loans have become extremely popular in recent years. Home buyers are attracted to

Read More

Jumbo Mortgage: Prudent Borrowers Rewarded By Lowest Jumbo Rates Ever

Jumbo Mortgage: Prudent Borrowers Rewarded By Lowest Jumbo Rates Ever

Solid, ultra low interest rate jumbo mortgage loans are being actively funded by remembering the lending philosophy we relied

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Mortgage Rates 7/23: Fixed Mortgage Interest Rates Hold, FHA Rates Low

By: Ed Ferrara | July 23, 2010 at 12:39 pm

July 23, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – 30 year fixed mortgage rates remain at 4.25% for well-qualified borrowers paying a standard .07 to 1 point origination. 15-year fixed mortgage rates, driven by the same mortgage-backed securities prices as the 30-year rate, are unchanged at 3.625, both record lows. MBS prices are up today +3/32, negating yesterday’s slippage. Both conventional fixed mortgage rates are at all-time record lows. The same goes for the FHA 30-year fixed loan rate, which is steady also at 4.25%. Despite 30-year fixed FHA mortgages being available at the same note rate and origination as conforming mortgages, APR and closing costs are higher because of MI and other FHA fees.

30-year fixed jumbo mortgage rates, down from last week, remain at a record lows. Today’s jumbo 30-year fixed rate is 5.125%.

Wells Fargo continues to advertise a 30-year conventional fixed-rate of 4.5%, with an APR of 4.686%.

To display current mortgage rates on your website or blog try using FreeRateUpdate.com’s free mortgage rates widget.





Big Banks are Originating the Vast Majority of the Market Share

By: Rosemary Rugnetta | July 23, 2010 at 8:31 am

July 23, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Although the mortgage industry is far from being fully recovered, mortgage lending reached a 6 month high during the month of June, 2010. At the same time, the nation’s biggest banks, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase have been the big winners by grabbing over 50% of the loan market and originating the vast majority of the market share. This has, in turn, created a powerful market concentration with tremendous pricing power.

At the same time when breaking the big banks apart was being considered, most regulatory and statutory decisions that were made over the past two years were done in favor of the big banks. Infused with taxpayer capital and takeovers of other failing large institutions, these banks became bigger. Taking over other institutions increased their real estate and presence in communities throughout the nation thereby squeezing out the smaller banks and luring in their customers. They are now able to offer aggressive, competitive and lower mortgage rates than the smaller players due to their lower fund costs. Despite big banks ability to lend at lower rates, most have opted to give out higher rates for bigger profits. As banks reined in their wholesale lending, mortgage brokers were affected and many closed their doors. Increased regulation and licensing for mortgage brokers is keeping this part of the mortgage industry subdued while giving increased business to the big banks.
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Servicing mortgage loans also helped to create these big banks. Bank of America became the top loan servicer after taking over Countrywide with Wells Fargo in second place and JP Morgan Chase in third place. While these banks enjoy guaranteed servicing and processing fees, many of these loans being serviced were also modified which ultimately added to their growth.

The latest financial overhaul legislation does not include any halt of the market power and market concentration that the biggest banks currently have. Financial reform includes the return to plain, old fashioned, qualified loans that are easy to be bought and sold on the secondary market. Although not as profitable as sub-prime loans, these old fashioned loans will dominate the mortgage market in the future. By originating these loans and making money in volume and quantity, the big banks will dominate the mortgage industry more than they do today. Concentration of the mortgage industry will lead to fewer players and will lie in the hands of the biggest lenders. Right now, big banks are originating the vast majority of the market share and will continue to do so in the future.





FHA Loans: The Difference Between a Conventional and FHA Mortgage

By: Rosemary Rugnetta | July 22, 2010 at 3:06 pm

July 22, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – When applying for a mortgage, most people will hear the terms Conventional mortgage and FHA mortgage, but many will not know the difference between these two types of mortgages. Understanding the basic differences between a Conventional mortgage and an FHA mortgage will help a borrower determine which one is the right one for them. Both types of loans are used to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage. Recently, many things have changed in the mortgage industry for all types of loans, but the basic differences remain the same.

A Conventional mortgage includes all loans that are not insured by a government agency. They can be either conforming or non-conforming loans. Conforming conventional loans follow the guidelines and qualifications of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while non-conforming loans, such as Jumbo Loans, do not follow the same rules.

FHA (Federal Housing Administration) is a federal government agency that was created to make affordable housing available to low and average income borrowers. They insure private mortgage loans issued for new and existing housing. By insuring these loans, banks are guaranteed repayment if a borrower happens to default. For this reason, FHA mortgages are highly desirable by banks.

Credit

Credit qualifying for an FHA mortgages is not as strict which is why it is widely used. FHA allows a borrower with a few credit issues or no credit history to purchase a home as long as they can provide documentation to support these compensating factors. Conventional mortgages are more rigid when it comes to credit worthiness and requires a higher credit score. While both FHA and Conventional Loans have the same interest rates, conventional loan interest rates can increase depending upon the credit score. The lower the credit score translates into a higher interest rate.

Down Payment

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FHA currently requires 3.5% down payment while Conventional mortgages require a 20% down payment with no mortgage insurance. For a Conventional mortgage, a borrower must put at least a 5% down payment. This down payment must come from their own verifiable funds. The borrower will then carry mortgage insurance for the remaining 15%. On the other hand, FHA will allow the entire down payment to be a gift from a family member, a government agency or a non-profit organization. They will also allow the seller to pay part of the closing cost. This is why many state grants and state bonds are used together with FHA Loans.

Mortgage Insurance

FHA mortgage insurance is built into their system while a conventional loan has a separate process for private mortgage insurance which is paid monthly and for which a borrower must be approved separate from the loan approval. FHA charges an annual renewal mortgage insurance premium which is paid monthly. They also charge an upfront mortgage insurance premium when the loan closes.

Appraisals

Appraisals for FHA mortgages and Conventional mortgages are similar in that they are both an opinion of value that represents the market value at the time. Their differences are that an FHA appraisal is more detailed and has additional required forms to be completed by the FHA approved appraiser. As a protection for the borrower’s health and safety, the FHA appraiser will look for things such as broken windows, peeling paint, code violations, smoke detectors and the condition of the roof. Environmental contaminants and hazards can disqualify a home from the FHA program. This is why FHA requires that appraisers must be FHA approved by them.

Today’s mortgages are quite different than what was available several years ago. Economic factors continue to change the fundamentals of the mortgage and real estate markets. What was true and in effect yesterday may not be true for today. For that reason, interest rates, minimum credit scores, down payment requirements and guidelines for both Conventional mortgages and FHA mortgages need to be checked regularly for updated information.

Proceed to the following link for more information on Proposed FHA changes





Mortgage Rates 7/22: Mortgage Rates Maintain Record Low Levels

By: Ed Ferrara | July 22, 2010 at 10:37 am

July 22, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Mortgage rates continue to maintain at record low levels. 30-year fixed mortgage rates are at 4.25% for well-qualified consumers paying 1 point origination. 15-year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.625%. Both conforming fixed interest rates are at all-time record lows and haven’t budged in weeks.

The current FHA 30-year fixed-rate is at 4.25% as well; however, MI and other FHA fees charged exclusively on FHA loans make the APR and closing costs higher than those of a conforming mortgage with the same note rate and origination.

Jumbo mortgage rates continue to slide down slowly. Today’s 30-year fixed jumbo rate is 5.125%, down from 5.25% last week.

Wells Fargo is advertising a conforming 30-year fixed-rate of 4.5% with an APR of 4.686.

Mortgage-backed securities prices, which drive mortgage rates in the opposite direction, are down today -3/32, not enough to effect mortgage rates.





Potential Results of FHA Tightening on the Market

By: Rosemary Rugnetta | July 21, 2010 at 1:10 pm

July 21, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – The Federal Housing Administration, also known as FHA, is proposing several changes that will have an impact on the future of FHA borrowers. As the sub prime loan industry melted, FHA loans have become extremely popular in recent years. Home buyers are attracted to FHA loans mainly because of their low down payment requirements as well as the lack of credit score mandates. Just as the real estate and lending climate has changed and FHA has become more popular, the guidelines for FHA mortgages are about to be updated which will have an effect on how an FHA loan will be approved.

At this time, the House has approved FHA Reform Act H.R. 5072 which will increase the annual mortgage premium for an FHA loan from .55% of the loan amount to a maximum of 1.25% which is paid monthly throughout the year. How will this change affect borrowers? Ideally, a borrower’s total house payment, which includes taxes, home owner’s insurance and FHA insurance, should not exceed 30% of their income. This increase of the annual mortgage premium will, in effect, increase the total monthly payment due which will reduce the purchasing power of the borrower. Simply put, borrowers will qualify for smaller loans and less of their monthly payment will be going towards equity of the home.
On the brighter side, H.R. 5072 will reduced the upfront mortgage premium from 2.25% of the loan value to 1% of the loan value.
homebuyers rushing for FHA loans
There are additional FHA policy changes in the works. For borrowers, the most significant proposed FHA change is related to credit scores. If adopted, all new FHA borrowers will be required to have a minimum FICO credit score of 580 in order to be approved for FHA’s most popular down payment plan of 3.5%. Any borrowers who have credit scores below 580 will be required to have a down payment of at least 10%. Borrowers with credit scores below 500 will no longer qualify for an FHA insured mortgage.
This change will have its greatest impact on borrowers with credit scores below 580 as they will have to tighten their budgets in order to save for the required cash investment. As lender’s have always had their own requirements and guidelines, most lenders do not approve borrowers that have credit scores of 500 and below.

Another FHA proposed policy change has to do with seller concessions which are used to offset a buyer’s cost. Currently, sellers are allowed to contribute up to 6% of the home’s sales price towards the closing costs. In order to eliminate any inflated appraisal values used to cover this expense, FHA has proposed changing the seller concession to 3%.

Changes to the underwriting standard for all manually underwritten loans is also proposed by FHA. Compensating factors will now have to be considered in determining the strength of the loan. These compensating factors are the borrower’s credit history, the loan to value percentage, the housing/debt ratios and reserves. For these manually underwritten loans, borrowers will be required to have reserves equal to one total monthly mortgage payment.

All of these proposed changes by FHA are their answer to protecting themselves from default in the current market. Since stricter underwriting standards have already been in place in many institutions, these proposed changes may not affect the real estate and mortgage industry as badly as one may think.
As of this date, H.R. 5072 is still awaiting Senate approval. In the meantime, the public has the opportunity to submit their comments to these proposals until August 13, 2010. After that, the changes can possibly go into effect mid August.





Mortgage Rates 7/20: Mortgage Rates on Edge of 1/8 Increase

By: Ed Ferrara | July 20, 2010 at 12:43 pm

July 20, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Mortgage-backed securities prices, which move mortgage interest rates in the opposite direction, continue to wobble during volatile sessions and are unchanged (FNMA 30-yr 4.0 at 101.20) today. As a result mortgage rates are also unchanged.

Today’s 30-year fixed mortgage rate, available to qualified consumers with a 20% down-payment who pay 1 point origination, is 4.125%, the same as it was yesterday. Today’s 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 3.625%. Both conventional Fannie Freddie insured fixed mortgage rates are at all-time record lows.

FHA mortgage rates are nearly identical to those of conforming mortgages. Today’s 30-year fixed FHA loan rate is 4.25%. MI and other FHA fees make FHA loans more expensive than conforming mortgages.
mortgage rates
Today’s 30-year fixed jumbo loan rate, for true jumbo mortgages exceeding conforming jumbo loan limits, is 5.125%. That’s a record.

Wells Fargo continues to advertise on their website a conventional 30-year fixed rate of 4.5% with an APR of 4.686.

To display today’s mortgage rates on your website or blog use our free mortgage rates widget.





Mortgage Rates 7/19: Mortgage Interest Rates Could Rise Slightly

By: Ed Ferrara | July 19, 2010 at 7:46 pm

July 19, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Mortgage-backed securities prices, which drive mortgage rates in the opposite direction, gave some back today slipping -9/32 (FNMA 30-yr 4.0 at 101.19), putting fixed mortgage interest rates at risk to rise tomorrow.

For now, conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rates remain at an all-time record low 4.125% for well-qualified borrowers paying a standard .07 to 1 point origination. 15-year fixed mortgage rates remain at 3.625%, also a record low.

FHA mortgages continue to have similar rates to those of conforming mortgages. 30-year fixed FHA loans are available today at 4.125%; however, MI and other FHA fees make the APR (closing cost) higher than that of a conventional mortgage with the same note rate and origination fee.

Today’s 30-year fixed jumbo rate remains at a record low 5.25%.

FreeRateUpdate.com researches over 2 dozen wholesale lenders’ rate sheets to determine the most accurate mortgage interest rates available to consumers who are well-qualified, and willing to pay about 1 point origination.

Wells Fargo is advertising on their website a 30-year fixed-rate of 4.5% with an APR of 4.686.

To display today’s mortgage rates on your website or blog use our free mortgage rates widget.

Click here for California Mortgage Rates.





Mortgage Rates 7/16: Mortgage Rates Stabilize at New Low

By: Ed Ferrara | July 16, 2010 at 2:53 pm

July 16, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Yesterday we reported first that mortgage rates had reached a new low. Today, after an improvement in mortgage-backed securities prices, which drive mortgage rates in the opposite direction, of +4/32 (FNMA 30-yr 4.0 at 101.27), fixed conforming and FHA mortgage rates further stabilized at their new all-time low levels.

Today’s jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains at 5.25%, where it’s been for weeks.

Wells Fargo is advertising a slightly lower rate then they were to begin the week, 4.5% for a conventional 30-year fixed mortgage.

Mortgage applications are at a 14 year low despite record low mortgage interest rates.





Mortgage Rates 7/15: Mortgage Rates Dip to Another Record Low

By: Ed Ferrara | July 15, 2010 at 1:33 pm

July 15, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Fixed mortgage rates dipped to yet another record low this morning. 30-yr fixed mortgage rates are now at 4.125% for well-qualified borrowers paying 1 point origination. 15-yr fixed mortgage rates are at 3.625%. Both conforming fixed mortgage rates are down an 1/8 from yesterday.

Today’s FHA 30-yr fixed loan rate also dipped an 1/8 to 4.125%. It should be mentioned MI and other FHA fees make closing fees higher on an FHA loan that has the same note rate and origination as a conforming mortgage.
mortgage rates low
Today’s jumbo 30-year fixed-rate, for jumbo loans exceeding jumbo conforming “high balance” county loan limits, remains at 5.25%

As of 07/15/2010 03:00 PM Eastern Wells Fargo’s 30-year fixed mortgage rate for a conventional mortgage was improved by an 1/8 to 4.5% with an APR of 4.686.

Why the decline in mortgage rates?

Mortgage-backed securities prices, which drive mortgage rates in the opposite direction, increased +9/32 (FNMA 30-yr 4.0 at 101.22) today after Manufacturing data and the Philly Fed came in weaker than expected, and PPI inflation was reported low. Investors, not confident in the global economy, are seeking the safety of US bonds, including MBS, helping mortgage rates.





Mortgage Rates 7/14: Mortgage Rates Flat at Record Low

By: Ed Ferrara | July 14, 2010 at 1:36 pm

July 14, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Mortgage rates are flat at record lows. Mortgage-backed securities prices, which move mortgage rates in the opposite direction, are up today +9/32 (FNMA 30-yr 4.0 at 101.07) further stabilizing fixed mortgage rates.

30-year fixed mortgage rates are at 4.25%, as they’ve been for weeks, for well-qualified consumers who have a 20% down-payment and pay 1 point origination, considered standard. 15-year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.75%. Both record low fixed mortgage interest rates have been verified as being available today by FreeRateUpdate.com research of over 2 dozen wholesale lenders’ rate sheets for brokers.
mortgage rates
30-year fixed FHA mortgage rates, which haven’t budged either for weeks, are at 4.25 as well for highly qualified borrowers. MI, at 2.25% of the amount financed, which is charged as closing, and other FHA fees make FHA loans more expensive then conventional mortgages even at the same note rate and origination fee.

30-year fixed jumbo mortgage rates, also unchanged for weeks, are at 5.25%

Wells Fargo mortgage rates haven’t been adjusted for weeks. Wells Fargo is still advertising a 30-year fixed rate of 4.625% with an APR of 4.812% on their website.





Mortgage Rates 7/13: Mortgage Interest Rates Not Moving

By: Ed Ferrara | July 13, 2010 at 3:08 pm

July 13, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Mortgage interest rates aren’t moving. Mortgage-backed securities prices, which move mortgage rates in the opposite direction, have wavered of late holding fixed mortgage rates steady.

30-year fixed mortgage rates are available at an all-time low 4.25% still. 15-year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.75%, also an all-time low. Today’s fixed mortgage rates reported by FreeRateUpdate.com are verified through research of over 2 dozen wholesale lenders’ rate sheets and available to well-qualified borrowers paying a standard .07 to 1 point origination.

FHA mortgage rates, which have mirrored conforming rates for most of the year, are also unchanged so far this week. Today’s FHA 30-year fixed loan rate is 4.25%. Despite the same note rate being obtainable through FHA 30-year financing it should be noted APR (closing fees) are higher because of MI and other FHA fees.

Jumbo mortgage rates haven’t budged and the jumbo 30-year fixed rate remains at 5.25%
today's mortgage rates
Wells Fargo is offering a conventional 30-year fixed rate of 4.625% with an APR of 4.812, unchanged from last week.





Mortgage Rates 7-8: Mortgage Rates Hold Despite Stock Rally

By: Ed Ferrara | July 8, 2010 at 5:48 pm

July 8, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Stocks posted gains for the third straight day today, which is usually enough to hurt bond markets and mortgage rates. Today, despite the Dow rising +120.71, MBS prices gained slightly and mortgage rates, which move in the opposite direction of MBS prices, held steady.

30-year fixed mortgage rates are holding at 4.25% for well-qualified borrowers who pay 1 point origination. 15-year fixed mortgage rates remain at 3.75%. Both conforming fixed mortgage rates are at an all-time record low.
mortgage rates hold
Today’s FHA 30-year fixed rate is the same as that of the conforming 30-year fixed mortgage, 4.25%. MI and other FHA fees make closing costs and APR higher on an FHA mortgage that has the same note rate as a conforming loan.

30-year fixed jumbo mortgage rates, for true jumbo loans exceeding conforming jumbo loan limits, are steady at a record low 5.25%.

Wells Fargo held their 30-year fixed rate today, advertised on their website as 4.625% with an APR of 4.812%.

Click here for California Mortgage Rates.





Mortgage Rates 7/7: Nothing New, Mortgage Rates Steady

By: Ed Ferrara | July 7, 2010 at 6:46 pm

July 7, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Nothing new for mortgage rates. Today saw another day of steady record low fixed rates as mortgage-backed securities prices, which drive mortgage interest rates their opposite, slid slightly -8/32 (FNMA 30-yr 4.0 at 101.14), not enough to drive up rates.

Conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rates are steady at 4.25% for highly-qualified borrowers paying a point origination. 15-year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.75%. Both conforming fixed mortgage interest rates are at all-time record low levels.
BERJAYA
FHA mortgage rates are steady as well and also at record lows. 30-year fixed FHA mortgage rates are at 4.25%, the same as conforming; however, MI and FHA fees make the APR higher on an FHA loan compared to a conforming mortgage. The government is said to be moving now on reimplementing the home-buyer tax-credit, which before was applicable toward closing costs on an FHA loan. Most FHA loans require a minimum 3.5% down-payment.

Jumbo mortgage rates have been slowly but steadily improving. 30-year fixed jumbo mortgage rates are at 5.25%.

FreeRateUpdate.com researches over 2 dozen wholesale lenders’ rate sheets for brokers daily to determine the most accurate mortgage rates available to well-qualified consumers paying a standard .07 to 1 point origination.

Wells Fargo is continues to advertise on their website a 30-year fixed-rate of 4.625% with an APR of 4.812.

To display current mortgage rates on your website or blog try our free mortgage rates widget.

Click here for today’s California Mortgage Rates.





FHA Mortgage Rates: 30-Yr Fixed FHA Loans Available at 4.25%

By: Ed Ferrara | July 6, 2010 at 4:45 pm

July 6, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – 30-year fixed FHA loans remain available at a record low 4.25% for highly qualified borrowers paying 1 point origination. This rate, an all-time record low, is the same rate available on a conventional mortgage for well-qualified borrowers paying a standard origination fee of .07 to 1 point. Even though the same note rate on an FHA mortgage is available, APR is higher because of the MI charged at closing on an FHA loan, and other FHA fees.

FHA loan rates, just like the interest rates on conforming Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae insured mortgages, are driven primarily by mortgage-backed securities prices, which continue to do well during this tough time for the global economy.
fha loan rates
FHA loans have a minimum down-payment of just 3.5% required in most cases, making them most popular among those purchasing a home.

The government is making moves presently to reinstate the home-buyer tax-credit, which was previously applicable toward closing fees on an FHA loan, helping to limit the out of pocket for consumers purchasing.





Mortgage Rates 7/6: Mortgage Rates Remain at 4.25%, an All-Time Low

By: Ed Ferrara | July 6, 2010 at 12:26 pm

July 6, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – 30-year fixed mortgage rates remain at an all-time low 4.25% for well-qualified consumers paying a standard origination fee of 1 point. 15-year fixed loans are available at 3.75%, also an all-time low. Conforming 5/1 ARM rates are at 3.375%. The percentage of fixed mortgages compared to adjustable rate mortgages being originated is at a record high.

FHA mortgage rates continue to mirror the rates of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac insured conforming mortgages. Today’s FHA 30-year fixed rate is 4.25%. Despite the same 30-year fixed note rate being available on an FHA loan APR and closing cost are higher because of MI, at 2.25% of the amount financed, due at closing, and other FHA fees.
mortgage rates
Jumbo mortgage rates are at an all-time low as well. Today’s 30-year fixed jumbo loan rate is 5.25%.

Wells Fargo, who originates more residential mortgages in the U.S. than any other lender including Bank of America, is advertising a 30-year fixed rate of 4.625 with an APR of 4.812. Wells Fargo mortgage rates are unchanged.

Mortgage-backed securities prices, which move mortgage rates their opposite, are up today +10/32 (FNMA 30-yr 4.0 at 101.18) helping mortgage rates.





Mortgage Rates 6/30: Mortgage Rates Finish Month at Low

By: Ed Ferrara | June 30, 2010 at 4:31 pm

June 30, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – 30-year fixed mortgage rates finished the month at a low. 15-yr fixed mortgage rates dipped to 3.75% for well-qualified consumers willing to pay 1 point origination. 30-year fixed mortgage rates rounded out the month at 4.25%.

Today’s FHA 30-year fixed loan rate mirrors that of a conforming mortgage at 4.25%. MI and other FHA fees make the APR (closing costs) higher on an FHA loan compared to a conventional mortgage.
mortgage rates
Today’s jumbo 30-year fixed-rate is 5.25%, an all-time low.

Wells Fargo is advertising a 30-year fixed-rate of 4.625% on their website today, with an APR of 4.812. That rate is unchanged.

Mortgage-backed securities prices, which drive mortgage rates their opposite, gave some ground today sinking -7/32 (FNMA 30-yr 4.0 at 101.09). As a result mortgage rates are at risk to rise.

Good news for potential home-buyers, the government is likely going to pass an extension of the home-buyer tax-credit.





Mortgage Rates 6/28: Mortgage Rates Stable at Current Level

By: Ed Ferrara | June 28, 2010 at 1:58 pm

June 28, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – Mortgage-backed securities prices, which drive mortgage rates in the opposite direction, gained +15/32 (FNMA 30-yr 4.0 at 101.08) stabilizing mortgage interest rates at current record low levels.

30-year fixed mortgage rates remain at 4.25% for well-qualified consumers paying a standard .07 to 1 point origination. 15-year fixed mortgage rates are still at 3.875%. Both rates are a record low.

30-year fixed FHA loans continue to be available at the same rates as conforming mortgages. Despite the same note rate APR is much higher on an FHA mortgage because of MI and FHA fees. FHA loans offer a 3.5% minimum down-payment making them popular among home-buyers.

Jumbo mortgage rates are unchanged. Today’s jumbo 30-year fixed rate is 5.25%.

Wells Fargo, the largest residential mortgage lender by volume, is advertising on their website a 30-year fixed rate of 4.625, with an APR of 4.812.





Mortgage Rates 6/24: Mortgage Rates to Another Record Low, 4.25%

By: Ed Ferrara | June 24, 2010 at 12:06 pm

June 24, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – 30-year fixed mortgage rates hit another record low this week. 30-year fixed mortgage rates are now at 4.25% for well-qualified borrowers paying a standard .07 to 1 point origination. 15-year fixed mortgage rates are at a record low 3.75%. Both fixed mortgage rates are down 1/8 from earlier in the week.

FHA mortgage rates continue to mirror the rates of conforming, Fannie and Freddie insured, mortgages. Today’s FHA 30-year fixed loan rate is also 4.25%. Despite the same note rate APR is higher because of MI and other FHA fees charged at closing exclusively on FHA loans.
mortgage rates
Jumbo mortgage rates are steady, down slightly and at 5.25% for a 30-year fixed jumbo loan.

Wells Fargo’s 30-year fixed mortgage rate, advertised on their website, is at 4.625 with an APR of 4.812%, down about 1/8 from earlier this week.

Mortgage-backed securities prices, which drive mortgage rates in the opposite direction, are up this week but down today -9/32 after a sharp downswing this afternoon. Rates are at risk to rise off current record low levels.





Current Mortgage Rates 6/21/10: 15-Yr Mortgage Rates to New Low

By: Ed Ferrara | June 21, 2010 at 12:44 pm

June 21, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – 15-year fixed mortgage rates moved to a new low today, 3.75% for well-qualified borrowers paying 1 point origination. Today’s record low rate is below the previous low of 3.875% set in recent weeks. 30-year fixed mortgage rates are still at 4.375%, also a record low.

FHA mortgage rates are the same as conforming mortgage rates. Despite similar rates, closing costs on FHA loans are higher because of MI and other FHA fees.

Jumbo mortgage rates refuse to budge. Today’s 30-year fixed jumbo loan rate remains at 5.375%.

Wells Fargo, the #1 volume originator of mortgages, continues to advertise on their website a 30-year fixed-rate of 4.75% with an APR of 4.939%.

Mortgage-backed securities prices, which drive mortgage rates in the opposite direction, are up +4/32 further stabilizing rates at these record low levels.





Current Mortgage Rates 6/18/10: 30-Yr Fixed at Record Low Still

By: Ed Ferrara | June 18, 2010 at 2:19 pm

June 18, 2010 (FreeRateUpdate.com) – 30-year fixed mortgage rates are still at a record low 4.375% for well-qualified borrowers paying a standard origination. 15-year fixed mortgage rates are still at 3.875%. Both rates match record lows and have been verified by FreeRateUpdate.com research of over 2 dozen wholesale lenders’ rate sheets for brokers.

FHA mortgage rates remain the same as those of conforming mortgages; however, MI and other FHA fees make the APR higher.
mortgage rates
Jumbo mortgage are steady. Today’s 30-year fixed jumbo loan rate is 5.375%.

Wells Fargo, the #1 volume originator of new mortgages, continues to advertise on their website a 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 4.75% with an APR of 4.939%.

Mortgage-backed securities prices, which drive mortgage rates in the opposite direction, continue to perform well. MBS prices are down slightly today -2/32 (FNMA 30-yr 4.0 at 100.05) , not enough to mortgage rates up.

To display current mortgage rates on your website, use our free mortgage rates widget.