Why Are Interest Rates Rising?

The big news in the housing market is that interest rates are rising. The consensus is that STACKED US QUARTER COINS ON WOODEN TABLE WITH WHITE ILLUSTRATION SHOWS DECREASING OF INTEREST RATES / FINANCIAL CONCEPTthe economy is on the mend, and concerns about inflation are driving rates up. But one shouldn’t panic yet. You can still get a 30 year mortgage for about 3 percent, which is a historic low. However, one shouldn’t wait too long if you are considering purchasing or refinancing a home.

According to CNBC, February 17th, 2021

 POINTS
  • Interest rates are rising because of expectations for better economic growth, and they should continue to move up but moderately.
  • Inflation is a fear in the market, but strategists do not yet see it as a main catalyst for interest rates.

WHY ARE TREASURY YIELDS RISING? Part of it is rising expectations for inflation, perhaps the worst enemy of a bond investor. Inflation means future payments from bonds won’t buy as much – because the price of a banana or a bouquet of flowers will be higher than it is today.

For years, yields have been ultralow for Treasurys, meaning investors earned very little in interest for owning them. That in turn made stocks and other investments more attractive, driving up their prices. But when Treasury yields rise, so does the downward pressure on prices for other investments.

Rising interest rates are not good news for the stock market.

Ruth Schoenherr is a mortgage broker who will help you find home loans in the Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Safety Harbor, St Petersburg and Tampa Bay area. For more information, go to her web site at www.ClearwaterMortgageBroker.net or call at 727 447-2418.

When You Should Refinance

It’s pretty easy to calculate, really. First figure out how much you will save on your STACKED US QUARTER COINS ON WOODEN TABLE WITH WHITE ILLUSTRATION SHOWS DECREASING OF INTEREST RATES / FINANCIAL CONCEPTmonthly payment. Then figure out what your closing costs will be, with hone inspections, appraisals and fees. Let’s say for example that it will cost you $5,000 to refinance and you will save $100 a month. It will take you a little over 4 years to break even. How long do you think you will stay in your house? Obviously it you are going to be there less that 4 years, it wouldn’t make sense to refinance.

What about a 15 year mortgage? If you refinance, and you can afford to go with a 15 year mortgage. This could have a major effect on your long term retirement strategy. I know if you’re under 40, you may not be focused on retirement. But retirement will be here before you realize it, and your retirement years can if the best years of your life, if you plan properly.

Are the advertised rates real? That’s one thing to watch out for. There is one way to find 0ut – submit an application. There’s another way. Call Ruth Schoenheer and have a consultation.

Ruth Schoenherr is a mortgage broker who will help you find home loans in the Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Safety Harbor, St Petersburg and Tampa Bay area. For more information, go to her web site at www.ClearwaterMortgageBroker.net or call at 727 447-2418.