Connecticut Mortgage Rates and Financing Update September 2, 2011

Rates continue to be historically good, and should be for quite some time. Of course we will see daily fluctuations, but with the Fed firmly in the 0% and plan to stay there mode, mortgage rates should continue to sit around these levels for quite some time.

This week's Financial News

 The Wall Street Journal reported that "Bank of America Corp. intends to sell its correspondent mortgage business, as the troubled lender looks to narrow its focus and bolster its financial strength...Employees could be notified as soon as Wednesday that the lender has decided to exit the correspondent channel because it no longer fits with the long-term strategy for its mortgage unit. The company decided to get out roughly four to six weeks ago, following a review led by mortgage chief Barbara Desoer. The business employs more than 1,000 people."   What this means is, there are fewer and fewer big lenders in the business, the pricing on Chase home loans last week were in excess of 1.00% higher than other lenders - big banks do price themselves out of the market when - they are about to close a division or they have more loans application than they can close.  


The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has reported the national average mortgage rate for the purchase of previously occupied homes by combined lenders was 4.57 % for loans closed in July - a decrease of 0.05% from the previous month. The average interest rate on conventional, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage loans of $417,000 or less decreased to 4.69% in July. The FHFA also reports that the contract rate on the composite of all mortgage loans (fixed- and adjustable-rate) was 4.55% in July, down from 4.61% in June. The effective interest rate, which reflects the amortization of initial fees and charges, was 4.67% in July, down 7 from 4.74% in June.


U.S. home prices increased by 3.6% in the second quarter, after having fallen 4.1% in the first quarter, according to new data from the Standard & Poor's (S&P)/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices.

"Looking across the cities, eight bottomed in 2009 and have remained above their lows," says David M. Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Indices. "These include all the California cities, plus Dallas, Denver and Washington, D.C. - all relatively strong markets. At the other extreme, those which set new lows in 2011 include the four Sunbelt cities - Las Vegas, Miami, Phoenix and Tampa - as well as the weakest of all, Detroit. These shifts suggest that we are back to regional housing markets, rather than a national housing market where everything rose and fell together."   Today's Mortgage Rates 30 year fixed - 4.250% 0 points for rate 20 year fixed - 3.875% 0   points for rate 15 year fixed - 3.250%  0 points for rate 10 year fixed - 3.250%  + 1.00 lender credit points for rate 5/1 ARM - 2.50 %  0 points for rate 7/1 ARM - 3.00%  + 0 points for rate FHA/VA 30 year fixed - 4.250% +  0 points for rate 5/1 ARM  - 2.75+  0 points for rate 7/1 ARM - 3.250 + 0 point for rate Jumbo - over 729,000  up to 2,000,000 with 20% down on purchase 30 year fixed - 4.750 % with 0  points  for rate 15 year fixed - 4.375 % + 0   points for rate 5/1 ARM - 3.250 % + 0 points for rate 7/1 ARM - 3.75% + 0 points for rate 10/1 ARM -  4.375% with + 0 points cost for rate Jennifer Buchanan,  Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist at MetLife Loans is a seasoned veteran of the Mortgage, Banking and Broker Industry and specializes in mortgage loans throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut.    Her attention to detail is unsurpassed, and her understanding of the marketplace makes it easy to find the right loan to fit her clients specific needs .  Jennifer's local processing and closing team are also known for their exemplary service.    Understanding that the vast majority of mortgage brokers never discuss the long or short term  financial needs or goals with their clients, she set herself apart from the rest by obtaining the coveted CMPS  designation. (Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist)     She is a member of the National Association of Responsible Loan Officers, and her commitment to ethics, understanding of the marketplace, and business acumen have earned her the respect of her peers and clients alike. Jennifer Buchanan Metlife Loans 203-341-6949