Rate on 30-year mortgages jumps above 4 percent
WASHINGTON — The average U.S. rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose above 4 percent for the first time in five months. The sharp increase suggests the window to buy or refinance a home at historically low rates is closing. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the rate on the 30-year loan jumped to […]
Obama proposes broader housing refinance plan
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — President Barack Obama called on Congress Wednesday to make it easier for millions of additional homeowners to refinance their mortgages at lower interest rates even if they owe more than their homes are worth. He conceded that his administration’s housing plans so far have not lived up to their promise. Calling […]
Robert Nusgart: Fannie, Freddie tweaks don’t go far enough
In the midst of another mini-refinance boom (thanks to the Greek government — again), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced that they have extended their Home Affordable Refinance Program through the end of 2013. Those good souls at the two mortgage giants, which essentially dictate mortgage underwriting guidelines and are both in receivership under […]
Rate on 30-year mortgage falls to record 3.94 pct.
WASHINGTON — The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.94 percent this week, the lowest rate ever. For those who can qualify, it’s an extraordinary opportunity to buy or refinance. Mortgage rates could fall even further now that the Federal Reserve plans to reshuffle its portfolio of securities to try and lower […]
Rate on 30-year mortgage falls to record 4.09 pct.
WASHINGTON — Fixed mortgage rates fell to the lowest level in six decades for the second straight week. But few Americans can take advantage of the historically low rates. Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 4.09 percent this week, down from 4.12 percent. That’s the lowest […]
30-year mortgage falls to 4.12 pct., record low
WASHINGTON (AP) — Fixed mortgage rates fell this week to the lowest levels in six decades. But few Americans can take advantage of the rates to refinance or buy a home. The average rate for the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 4.12 percent, down from 4.22 percent, Freddie Mac said Thursday. It’s the lowest level […]
Hippodrome’s debt restructured in deal with Md. Stadium Authority
The Maryland Stadium Authority is restructuring its deal with Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre to keep the underperforming venue running and able to compete for shows and events. Lagging ticket sales had forced theater and state officials to find new ways to pay the $800,000 that the Hippodrome owes in debt service each year. The MSA’s board […]
Fixed mortgage rates fall to 2011 lows
NEW YORK — Fixed mortgage rates hit the lowest point of the year for the third straight week. Freddie Mac says the average rate on the 30-year loan fell to 4.60 percent from 4.61 percent. That’s the lowest point since mid-December. The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage, a popular refinance option, slipped to […]
Fixed mortgage rates hit lowest levels for 2011
NEW YORK — Fixed mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest levels this year, giving Americans more incentive to buy homes or refinance their loans. Freddie Mac says the average rate on the 30-year loan fell to 4.63 percent from 4.71. The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage slipped to 3.82 percent from 3.89 […]
Gary S. Williams: Consider goals before refinance
As the economy recovers, homeowners are faced with the good news/bad news prospect of a better real estate market with the likelihood of higher mortgage interest rates. For many, that leaves three choices — sell, refinance or sit tight with the mortgage they have now. Despite the average 30-year mortgage rate that stood at 4.8 […]
Mortgage applications rose last week
NEW YORK — The number of people applying for a mortgage rose last week as lower rates lured more borrowers to refinance. The Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday its overall mortgage application index increased 2.2 percent from the previous week. The refinance index rose 4.9 percent, while the purchase index slipped 3.7 percent last week. […]
Mortgage rates hit 4.61 pct.; refi’s could slow
NEW YORK — Rates on fixed mortgages rose for the fourth straight week this week. The surge could slow refinancings and further hamper the housing market. Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rates on 15- and 30-year fixed loans increased sharply from last week. Mortgage rates tend to track the yields on 10-year Treasury […]