Greg McBride, CFA
Senior financial analyst, Bankrate.comA glass-half-empty economic tone from the Fed will keep mortgage rates at present levels.
David KuiperMortgage planner, First Place Bank, Holland, Mich.Mortgage interest rates are currently the best they've ever been. A lagging stock market, weak housing market and high unemployment -- among other things -- are creating the "perfect storm" for low mortgage rates. Take action now so that you can take advantage of this historical opportunity. With market volatility, it certainly is not the time to be complacent.
Jeff LazersonPresident, Mortgage Grader, Laguna Niguel, Calif.Rates are near zero now. Remember, four major banks control 70 percent of the housing finance market. With new home sales and resales plummeting, look for incentive-based programs from President Obama to stimulate the housing market. President Obama can't control or make the banks do anything they don't want to, like offering even lower rates.
Dick LepreSenior loan officer, RPM Mortgage, San FranciscoThe techs are bullish (higher prices, lower yields), but we are in an annoying period where the perception of the state of the economy changes two or three times a week. Mortgage rates will go lower if things stay as they are and one of the big lenders decides to get more aggressive about pricing to gain market share. Lately we have seen the large banks simply take more of the margin on FNMA/FHLMC (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac). That will end if and only if one of them wants a bigger share.
Bob MoultonPresident, Americana Mortgage Group, Manhasset, N.Y.Rates should remain flat.
Mitch OhlbaumLoan officer, Bank of America, Los AngelesThe 10-year Treasury note is currently trading at 3.16 percent. Rates have come down in the last two weeks since I last wrote and I do not see them dropping any further. We continue to have a flight to securities (Treasuries) which will keep all rates down as we move through a very slow recovery.
Brian PeartPresident, Nexus Financial, AtlantaStubbornly unchanging.
Jim SahngerMortgage consultant, Palm Beach Financial Network, Stuart, Fla.Rates could move higher based on technicals or any reversal in the stock market. Overall though, without something major, it appears we may be moving into a new range as recent economic reports combined with global concerns have created an incredibly favorable rate environment. This does not mean that people should get complacent. I would not gamble, hoping for lower rates.
Chris SipeSenior loan officer, Embrace Home Loans, Frederick, Md.I don't know why I am surprised by rates continuing to go lower, but I am. However, a "floor" has to be here somewhere, and I feel that we are there now or very close to it. I see rates stabilizing and remaining at these levels in the near term. However, risk far outweighs reward here so don't wait or be too patient.
Tommy XintarisSenior mortgage consultant, HoustonHigh unemployment, European debt woes and lower-than-expected new home sales should keep rates somewhat steady for the week ahead in case of a sell-off.