Tag Archives: mortgage rates

08.13.13
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Mortgage Rates RISE Dramatically after today’s retail sales data report!

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According to & article today on mortgage news daily:
Mortgage rates were abruptly higher today, moving back toward the highs of the month and erasing most of the improvements seen since the Employment Report on August 2nd.  After an excessively calm week last week, market participants had eagerly anticipated today’s Retail Sales report as the first major dose of information since that Employment Report.  Rates were already on the move higher ahead of the data owing to bond market weakness in overnight.  While the headline numbers on the Retail Sales report weren’t as high as expected, not only was the previous reading revised higher, but the other components of the report–such as those that strip out the more volatile auto sales–were stronger than expected.  By the end of the day, the most prevalent 30yr Fixed quote (best-execution) is edging up from 4.5 to 4.625% for some lenders.

In order to understand why rates moved as much as they did today, we first need to frame Retail Sales in the context of the prospects for a reduction in the Fed’s asset purchases–aka “tapering.”  Markets and even the Fed itself are undecided as to whether tapering will start in September or later in the year.  Because the asset purchases are seen as a mathematically quantifiable reason for lower rates, the sooner the reduction in purchases occurs, the higher rates will go, all other things being equal.  This morning’s Retail Sales numbers stood as the first major piece of data to inform that debate since the Employment Report at the beginning of the month.

Quite simply, the data “wasn’t bad enough” to push out the expectations for a tapering time frame.  Combining this with the upward momentum in rates coming out of the European market hours and it was enough for a significant move higher.  Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be until Thursday that we even have a chance to get data that counteracts this “vote.”  Even then, this would require several different pieces of data having the same economically bearish suggestion.  In other words, rates aren’t likely to stampede back toward better levels unless that happens.  If the data happens to confirm today’s message from Retail Sales, rates could go even higher.

Today’s Best-Execution Rates based on the larges 40 lenders in the US!

  • 30YR FIXED – 4.5% “ZFG Mortgage 4.375%”
  • FHA/VA – 4.25% “ZFG Mortgage 4.125%”
  • 15 YEAR FIXED –  3.625%-3.75% “ZFG Mortgage 3.375%”

To check today’s mortgage rates in Oklahoma

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To Apply for a mortgage or obtain Free No cost or obligation Rate quote

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06.20.13
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Worst 2-Days Increase in Mortgage Rates in the Last 4 Years

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Mortgage rates are revisiting the past trauma, now matching the scope of the late 2010 sell-off, with the past two days matching the scope of Black Wednesday’s sell-off.  “Selling” in this case, refers to the Mortgage-Backed-Securities (MBS) that most directly affect rates.  As MBS prices fall, rates rise.  The faster this happens, the worse it is for mortgage lenders rate sheets, and despite the month and a half of selling, the past two days have been surprisingly abrupt for lenders.  Rate sheets have taken the most profound hits we’ve seen on back to back days (past examples were more concentrated on one of the two days).  Conventional 30yr Fixed best-execution is quickly up to a staggering 4.375%-4.5%, though we’d note that there’s even more variation between lenders as volatility magnifies the effects of different pricing strategies.  

Today’s economic data had precious little effect on trading levels, adding to the sense that it’s going to take official employment data on July 5th, a change in tone from the Fed, or an unexpected tape-bomb style headline to convince markets that the Fed won’t begin curtailing asset purchases in September.  While that continues to be the case, interest rate movements continue to be a risk.  We’d like to say “we’ve moved high enough, fast enough that we’ll probably be able to dig in and hold some ground here,” but that’s not safe yet.  Market participants themselves, let alone mortgage lenders, are still feeling out the post-Fed-Announcement environment.  There’s no reason rates can’t go even higher just because they’ve moved so high, so fast.

Mortgage Loan Originator Perspectives 

“The recent events leave me speechless. In my 10 years in the industry I have never seen a meltdown this quickly and dramatically. We cannot control the market, but we can control our emotions. Closing within 30 days should be locked up. 30-60 days should consider locking as well. Any technical or fundamental basis for floating has been diminished. Is there a saving grace? Perhaps if we continue to see liquidations in commodities & stocks (domestic & foreign) we may benefit from a quick trade, but again, the table has been st for higher rates. Soup, salad, & appetizers are served, main course on it’s way….question is how is your digestive system?” 

“Our jumbos didn’t rise as quickly since the agency MBS selloff yesterday, so there have been some locking opportunities for loans above $417,000, but loans up to $417,000 are up definitively.” 

Today’s Best-Execution ZFG Mortgage Rates

  • 30YR FIXED – 4.0%
  • FHA/VA – 3.75% 
  • 15 YEAR FIXED –  3.25%
  • 5 YEAR ARMS –  2.25-3.25% depending on the lender

Ongoing Lock/Float Considerations

  • After rising consistently from all-time lows in September and October 2012, rates challenged the long term trend higher, but failed to sustain a breakout
  • Uncertainty over the Fed’s bond-buying plans is causing immense volatility in rates markets and generally leading rates quickly higher 
  • Fears about the Fed’s bond-buying intentions were proven well-founded on May 22nd when rates rose to 1yr highs after the Fed indicated their intention to taper bond buying programs sooner vs later
  • The June 19th FOMC Statement and Press Conference confirmed the suspicions.  Although tapering wasn’t announced, the Fed made no move to counter the notion that they will decrease bond buying soon if the economic trajectory continues
  • (As always, please keep in mind that our Best-Execution rate always pertains to a completely ideal scenario.  There are many reasons a quoted rate may differ from our average rates, and in those cases, assuming you’re following along on a day to day basis, simply use the Best-Ex levels we quote as a baseline to track potential movement in your quoted rate).

We Offer A Free Pre-Approval & Consultation!

Call:1-877-205-7266 or http://www.zfgmortgage.com

Click Here To Go Directly To Our Secure Online Application

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05.14.13
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Why you’re probably not getting the best mortgage rate quote?

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A home loan is basically a product and like all products, its sales pitches can be exaggerated. The end result is that you end up with a loan that may not suit your needs at all. When shopping around for the best mortgage rate that is most suitable for you, one needs to be highly discerning with exactly what is being offered.

Short-Term Adjustable Rate

Many consumers make the common mistake of choosing a one-year adjustable rate mortgage due to the deceptively low rate being advertised. Deceptive, because, in the very next year, the rate shoots up.

It is most important that you keep in mind that it is not in the best interests of lenders to offer you a loan with the lowest possible interest rate. Typically they would prefer you to opt for the highest rate you could possibly afford. Doing so will ensure that in addition to their regular commission, mostly one percent of the loan amount, an overage of an extra one or two percent is earned for selling you a loan priced higher than the most favorable deal for you. To avoid this situation, insist on the daily rate card from your loan officer that lists the lowest rates of all his products.

Regulation Offers Some Protection

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) lays down that lenders must give an accurate estimate of closing costs at the time of submitting your application. Extra charges are in violation of the law. Nevertheless many banks often try to slip them in. Insist on a detailed list of closing costs. If you find any suspicious or unnecessary charges, you have the right to ask your loan officer for an explanation.

While it may be advisable to seek recommendations for mortgage lenders, you need to be careful if the advice comes from a real estate agent. With estate agents, it is more likely that instead of referring you to the best deal possible, they send you to the lenders who pay them a commission for doing so.

Some mortgage brokers will often mislead you with pre approvals. They lead you to believe that a pre approval practically guarantees you the mortgage. However, at the actual time of getting approved for a mortgage, these pre-approvals are of no value and may as well be wastebasket approvals.

The Government has made efforts to ensure protection for the consumers with government mandated disclosure forms. However the miniscule type combined with complex financial figures can be difficult to read or comprehend easily. Even worse, it can be use to conceal the truth just as it can reveal it. Overall, make sure that when you are selecting your quotes, you keep in mind that opting for what appears to be the cheapest quote initially, or depending completely on the recommendations of the lender are not good strategies with seeking out the right mortgage for you.

For current rates on mortgage loans in Oklahoma, Log on to the #1 rated lender in the state for the last 4 years website www.zfgmortgage.com or call

1-877-205-7266 

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04.17.13
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Will Your Bank Give You The Best Mortgage at The Lowest Mortgage Rate

 

ImageMany of us tend to form a relationship with our bank even in these times of big banks. This does not mean, however, you should look to your personal bank for a mortgage.

Will Your Bank Give You The Best Mortgage?

 

It is a common misconception for people to assume that their bank will give them the best mortgage. It is a natural thing to assume, especially since people have often been banking with the same institution for many years and they feel comfortable with them. However, the fact is that if you limit yourself to going directly to your bank and getting a mortgage from them without looking elsewhere you are most likely shooting yourself in the foot. You are restricting the possibility of other options that might be better for you and this is never a good thing.

 

There is no doubt that your own bank might give you the plan you want. There is a chance that they will give you a good offer that would be tough to beat by any considerable margin elsewhere. However, this is just a chance. You will only know if it’s anything more than a chance by actually looking elsewhere. Sure, the comfortable and trust factors weigh in, and these can be major factors since you want to trust the institution that is giving you such a large amount of money for such an important thing, but there are many other trustworthy lenders out there that may have a better offer for you. Keep in mind that your bank will probably sell your mortgage to another lender within the first year.

 

The first place to go is to other major banks and lending companies which you know of. By going to these first, you are going to major companies which are trustworthy. Most major banks offer fairly similar rates, but it is still worth it to check around. In fact, you would be crazy not to check around. You may get yourself a quarter or half a percentage point off, which might seem small but can actually turn out to saving you thousands of dollars in interest payments. These other banks might also have other incentives or better options that you will want to consider. If you own a business, they may even offer you a better deal in an attempt to pick up that business.

 

There are plenty of other lending companies you can check with, both major and minor, online and offline. It is to your benefit to check as many as possible and not settle with your own bank just because they are the first place you check. Getting a mortgage is a huge thing and it is important to get the right mortgage plan for you, and this will only be done properly if you evaluate your options.

 

 ZFG Mortgage is Oklahoma Top Rated mortgage company. We have relationships with 125 of the largest banks in the country, But we work with them on the wholesale channel.  What this means is we are able to offer our borrowers the same fixed rate mortgage they would get from there bank at the same cost but with a rate that’s .250% – .375% lower rate!

If you would like to find out your options for a Purchase or Refinance mortgage in Oklahoma, click the link below to go directly to our website. Or Call 1-877-205-7266 approved for a mortgage

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04.03.13
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3 Words Every Mortgage Holder Should Know

Image Getting a mortgage can be a very confusing process. There is a lot of paperwork to sign, documents to read and procedures to be followed. You’d think you were applying to go to Harvard or Yale, except they don’t require that much paperwork for you to be admitted! Although getting a mortgage can be a confusing process, there are three terms that every mortgage holder should know to better understand what he is she is getting into.

Going into a mortgage knowing just a few facts will help you immensely in understanding what type of commitment you are getting into.

The first term you should understand is, amazingly, the word “term”. Term refers to the length of the mortgage you are taking out – or the amount of time you are making payments.

Many mortgages run the gauntlet of between ten and thirty years. The longer the mortgage, typically the lower your monthly payment will be (and the more interest the mortgage company makes). Generally speaking, you should go for the shortest term you can comfortable afford – you’ll save potentially tens of thousands (and in some cases potentially over a hundred thousand) dollars in interest by keeping the length of the mortgage as short as you can.

Next, understand the interest rate on your mortgage and how it is calculated. The interest rate refers to the amount of interest charges you will pay for the money you are borrowing, expressed as a decimal – such as 3.2 for 3.2%. Is it fixed or adjustable? In other words, is it the same through the life of the loan or does it change at specified periods in time? Most home buyers should try and steer clear of adjustable rate mortgages even though they can look better up front. They can often reset to higher interest rates and come back to bite you if you aren’t ready for a jump in your monthly payments!

Finally, understand what closing costs are and how they are going to affect your purchase price. Often times, you are going to be responsible for coming up with these closing costs out of your own pocket. Closing costs consists of things such as appraisals done on the house, attorney fees, notary fee, deed fee – if there is a fee they can think of it usually falls under the term closing costs! Be a smart and savvy consumer, if you see a fee that you don’t understand or doesn’t seem right – speak up! Some mortgage lenders try to sneak in any fee they can think of to make a few extra dollars profit.

Understanding these three terms can help make you a more informed home buyer and help you find the mortgage that is right for you. As with any product, it is important to shop around for a mortgage when you are considering buying a house. Even a small change in the interest rate between two lenders can often to amount to thousands of dollars in savings. Don’t be afraid to comparison shop – it’s your money after all!

 For more info regarding a mortgage contact ZFG Mortgage The #1 rated mortgage lender in the Midwest. 

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Apply Online for a Free Rate Quote or Call 1-877-205-7266

WWW.ZFGMORTGAGE.COM

03.28.13
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An Overview of the Mortgage Process

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House hunting can be an exhilarating process as you try to pick that perfect property. Applying for a mortgage isn’t nearly as much fun.  

The Following is an overview of how the mortgage industry works.

An Overview of the Mortgage Process

You have a nice chunk of money saved away for a down payment. You have started shopping for a home or have found the perfect property. It is time to enter the world of financing, better known as getting a mortgage. Before entering the labyrinth, it might help to get an overview of how the mortgage process works.

A mortgage simply is a debt instrument that acts to secure a cash loan to you on a home. In exchange for giving you the money, the lender puts a first lien on the prospective home for loan amount. If you default, the lender can foreclose and sell the home to recover the debt amount.

In mortgage industry terms, applying for a mortgage is known as originating a loan. To originate the loan, you will first have to find a lender you are comfortable with. You may have a close relationship with a bank that will suffice. Many will find it advisable to use a mortgage broker to shop for the loan that best meets their needs. Different lenders offer different loans and terms.

As part of the origination process, you will fill out a lengthy loan application. Depending on the nature of the loan, you probably will also be required to submit documentation supporting your claims of income and so on. There are no document or partial document loan applications, but most people don’t qualify for them. Once your application is submitted, a lender inevitably will ask for more information or documentation. Depending on how the review, known as underwriting, goes, the lender may decline or accept your application. Often, the lender will add a stipulation to the loan that cover issues it is concerned about.

Once you are granted the loan, you will close on the residence you are after. Most people are then very surprised by what happens. Inevitably, your mortgage lender will sell the loan to another entity. To raise cash to issue more home loans, lenders sell their current stock of mortgages on a secondary market. Your lender may continue to handle the administration of the loan, but will often just hand the entire thing off.

Your mortgage will be terminated at some point in time. Positive reasons can be the sale of the home, refinancing or simply paying off the balance. Negative reasons can include default or bankruptcy. Regardless, the above represents the basic structure of the mortgage industry and how your loan moves through it.

If your looking for a mortgage in Oklahoma, Contact the #1 rated lender by consumers for 2012 Today.

 

ZFG Mortgage

918-459-6530

http://www.zfgmortgage.com

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