Quiet week....and our stats aren't so bad....   Came across some Mar 2008 status compiled by MLS.  Average "days on market" for homes for sale was 38, and average selling price was 93% of list price.  Those seem like pretty good status to me, and much better than the gloom and doom national averages that are always quoted.....30 yr fixed rate is stuck at about 5.875%.  Not much movement this week so far....ST 5/7/08 

Employment Effect....  Last Friday's employment report showed a lesser drop in jobs than expected, and the unemployment rate also unexpectedly fell to 5.0%.  The result was a jump in mortgage rates.......I guess the market thinks the economy is quickly strengthening.  Today/Monday rates are flat with 30 year stuck around 6%.  I think rates go a little lower from here over the next 30 days....ST 5/5/08

Why the Fed May Not be Done....  From their release:  "Financial markets remain under considerable stress, and tight credit conditions and the deepening housing contraction are likely to weigh on economic growth over the next few quarters."  This tells us the Fed is till very worried about the effects of the banking crises, housing mess, and credit crunch.  This dealy trio is so overwhelming that the Fed may not only cut more, but may keep rates low for a very long time to come.  ST 5.1.08 

They Cut Again....  Fed lowered the overnight bank rate by .25% to 2%.  That means that the Prime Rate will drop to 5% and those with home equity lines of credit will enjoy another small decrease in their rate.....No clear impact on fixed mortgage rates as of yet.  While we might get a small dip down over the next couple of days, the Fed made it clear that inflation is out there and as that becomes more front of mind, long term fixed rates will rise....ST  4.30.08 

Easing and the Fed....  Rates finally beginning to ease back some.  30 year at about 6.0%.  Fed is meeting today and tomorrow and will tell us at 1:15 if they're going to cut the overnight rate again.  Most expect a .25% cut and then no more for at least awhile.  Also, Fri. is the Employment Report which never fails to move the market.  ST 4/29/08 

 Rates and home sales....  Rates continue to climb.  30 year up to 6.125%.  :(    And speaking of home sales/days inventory available.  Here are some interesting numbers from around the country.... Miami:  34 months of unsold homes (!),  Denver 6 months,  Dallas 6 months,  St Louis 8 months.....and around here in KC about 6 months....  ST 4/25/08 

 Not all bad, but appraisals are tough....  Did you know that almost all of the housing doom and gloom commentary is based on the markets in CA, FL, AZ, NV, and MI?  Makes it sounds like things are rotten everywhere and that's just not the case here in the Midwest......but all is not rosy either, particularly for refinances.  Had a customer with home in Lee's Summit.  Appraised for $180k in 2006 when I last refinanced it.  Working on a new refinance today on same home.  Appraiser calls and says the comparable sales out there only support a value of $165k today.  That puts loan/value over 80% and refinance is not so attractive anymore....30 year rate has ticked up to 6.0% for best 0 point 30 year fixed....ST  4/24/08 

 Tightened mortgage standards and Existing home sales....4/23/08   Bank of America says it will tighten its mortgage lending standards after it completes its merger with Countrywide.  Few or no option adjustable rate and low-documentation loans........Existing home sales fell again in March.  The good news is the rate of decline is slowing.  Median sales price is 7% below a year ago, and inventory of unsold homes remains at about 10 months worth.