Metro®Boston, Publication Date: August 10, 2011
By Attorney George Warshaw
Lost in the debris of the deficit debacle and the stock market free fall is the effect on mortgage interest rates. Will they rocket upwards, stay the same or decline?
Mortgage rates rise or fall based on something. But what?
There are actually two types of mortgage loans and two types of rates: first mortgages are long-term interest rates; home equity loans are short-term monthly rates. The rate on each is established differently, and often go in different directions based on the exact same news.
When the Fed announces that it is lowering or raising rates, that immediately affects the monthly rate charged on home equity loans, not first mortgages.
First mortgage rates are determined by the longer-term bond market. I’ve heard it said that first mortgage rates follow “the 10-year Treasury” or “mortgage backed securities” instead. In other words, as prices on a specific longer-term “fixed income investment” rise or fall on Wall Street, first mortgages interest rates ultimately bounce along with it.
Confused? Since no one seems to be managing our economy right now, you are not alone. Be safe. If you can lower your first mortgage rate, do it now.
Need a recommendation for a good mortgage lender? Email me. I know several good lenders.
© 2011 George Warshaw. All Rights Reserved.
George Warshaw is a real estate attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions at george.warshaw@warshawlaw.com.
If you missed my column in the Wednesday Boston®Metro newspaper you can read it here! And contact me if you need help in buying or selling your home or in planning your will. - George
George in the Metro 
Leave a Reply