Holden LewisAssistant managing editor, Bankrate.comThere hasn't been much day-to-day movement of mortgage rates lately, and I expect that to continue.
Michael BeckerMortgage banker, Happy Mortgage, Lutherville, Md.The rise in oil prices as a result of unrest in the Middle East has markets concerned about how higher fuel prices will affect future growth. If oil prices stay elevated, I would expect this concern to continue. Because of this, I expect mortgage rates to stay at their current levels.
Chris KarageorgeSenior home loan adviser, Universal American Mortgage Company, Wayzata, Minn.The market seems to have soaked in this week's reports and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's speech to the House Financial Services Committee without incident.
David KuiperMortgage planner, First Place Bank, Holland, Mich.We've seen mortgage interest rates improve slightly over the last week. The unrest in the Middle East, rising oil prices and struggling stock market (which usually would cause rates to improve even more) are being tempered by an improving employment picture and hints of inflation, domestically and globally. We are advocating locking in at today's very attractive rates, to take advantage of the gains we've seen and to avoid further volatility. Consult your local mortgage professional today to see how you can take advantage of today's interest rate environment.
Rebecca R. MadejMortgage Consultant, Cunningham & Company Mortgage Bankers, Charlotte, N.C.Economic data are giving a one-step-forward, one-step-back on MBS trading. Lenders aren't willing to put much more on the line and offer lower rates right now because that could jeopardize hedging strategies.
Jim SahngerMortgage consultant, Palm Beach Financial Network, Stuart, Fla.Look for rates to remain stable overall with some day-to-day volatility as the market responds to economic and geopolitical concerns.