Michael BeckerMortgage banker, Happy Mortgage, Lutherville, Md.Mortgage rates spiked early this week on retail sales numbers that were not as bad as expected. Concerns over the U.S. debt ceiling also contributed to this rise. Mortgage rates have since come down a bit after a weaker than expected Empire State Manufacturing Survey. While I expect economic data to show continued weakness, the fact that mortgage rates have fallen so much and concerns over the debt ceiling may prove to be an impetus to lower mortgage rates. In the coming week I expect mortgage rates to be unchanged.
Kevin BreelandGeneral manager, Residential Mortgage of South Carolina, Mount Pleasant, S.C.(The market) is rather volatile, again (there are) some signs of no recovery and some signs of inflation. Greece is becoming a bigger issue than in the last few months. That creates tension all over the world where the markets are concerned. I believe rates will remain unchanged.
Barry HabibCEO, Mortgage Market Guide, Holmdel, N.J.Steady to improved, as 200-day moving average supports prices.