A Nerd's Eye View

Interest Rate Update



It's been a while since I updated the mortgage interest rate chart.

As you can see, rates have crept downward since my last update and are now near their lows of late 2006.

This is good news for folks hoping to buy or refinance with traditional mortgages. However, it's of little use to others. For instance, holders of low-initial-rate loans that were taken out in 2005 or earlier will still be facing a fairly steep jump in payments.

More generally, those looking to buy or refinance with exotic loans are much more beholden to loose lending standards than to rates. To this group, the fully indexed mortgage rate is often less important than the ability to make a low down payment, provide limited income documentation, or enjoy a nice low teaser rate. Exotic borrowers may find that the ongoing tightening up of underwriting standards is more than offsetting any decline in interest rates.

-- RICH TOSCANO



A Nerd's Eye View

Rich Toscano is a financial advisor with Pacific Capital Associates*;
he also writes about San Diego real estate at Piggington's Econo-Almanac.
Contact him at rtoscano@pcasd.com.

Firefighter Vote Delayed to April 24:

 

The City Council and Sanders have not agreed on a contract for firefighters.

Tuesday, April 17 -- 5:47 pm

CV Board to Weigh Sex Ed:

 

School district will look at proposed changes to district policies governing sex education.

Tuesday, April 17 -- 4:02 pm

Aguirre: Police Raise is Illegal:

 

The city attorney says the deal violates the debt-limit law.

Tuesday, April 17 -- 3:38 pm


Sponsored By

MOST POPULAR STORIES:

SURVIVAL IN SAN DIEGO

Mortgage Giants Announce Possible Subprime Fix :

 

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to unveil new loans to help stuck homeowners.

Tuesday, April 17 -- 2:34 pm

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Sorry, Firefighters:

 

But your union leader signed a contract with our fiscally irresponsible leaders some time ago.

Tuesday, April 17 -- 4:48 pm

CAFÉ SAN DIEGO

Bertha's End :

 

Bertha has two choices to deal with her debt.

Tuesday, April 17 -- 3:51 pm

COMMENTARY: SLOP

Out of Reach :

 

Got an answer on the Faulconer mystery.

Tuesday, April 17 -- 6:58 pm

COMMENTARY: RICH TOSCANO

The Real Credit Risk :

 

A credit rating agency cites a better indicator of exotic mortgage risk.

Tuesday, April 17 -- 4:43 pm

Sponsored by

More Maas:

 

The CCDC chairman's take on his defense of Nancy Graham.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 -- 11:57 am

Sanders on SEDC:

 

The mayor explains his rationale behind the appointment of four new SEDC board members.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 -- 4:30 pm

CCDC Suspends Investigation:

 

Agency takes the step after reviewing Graham's testimony.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 -- 3:05 pm

Sponsored By

SURVIVAL IN SAN DIEGO

The Composer:

 

A clip of the man who claims he was duped into buying that house in Santaluz.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 -- 11:59 am

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gaylord's Not-So-Gay Side:

 

The hotel chain's Grapevine, Texas project just won't stop.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 -- 12:44 pm

CAFÉ SAN DIEGO

Grief Resources Online:

 

The Internet can provide a wealth of support during times of bereavement.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008 -- 12:08 pm

COMMENTARY: SLOP

The Pam Anderson 'Web Page':

 

The Chula Vista city manager is caught surfing 'Web pages.'

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 -- 6:38 pm

COMMENTARY: RICH TOSCANO

Punish the Savers:

 

Savers are watching their real wealth disappear for the benefit of the housing market and financial industry.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 -- 6:04 pm

MOST POPULAR STORIES:

Sponsored by


Home About Us Contact Us Copyright Privacy Policy Site Sponsorship
Copyright © 2008 voiceofsandiego.org. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement