Holy Rate Drop Batman....The Feds cut the key interest rate again by some kind of "basis points".....What does that mean Batman???? Ya got me Robin.....all I know about "Prime" is that I like Prime Rib.....But Batman....why dont they explain things in regular peoples terms so we know if we can buy another bat cave in South Carolina and retire? Ya' Got me "Bat Boy"....but I just got a blog from my old Pal LCJoe in South Carolina. He works with Sue Anne Hess, a real finacial wizard from Wells Fargo that "tells it like it is" in human, or should I say "Bat Terms". That's great Batman.....do ya think we can share it with the rest of the folks out there that are havin' a tough time like us....Sure can "Bat Boy"......Just check out the following....
Rate Cut Explanation for friends of Batman and Robin (Bat Boy)
Hot on the heels of its surprise inter-session rate cut of 75 basis points last week, the Federal Reserve cut key interest rates again, the fifth straight cut since September 2007. In its statement last week, the Fed said it had decided to cut the federal funds rate "in view of a weakening of the economic outlook and increasing downside risks to growth." In other words, economic data suggests the
Who benefits from this cut?
If you have a loan that is directly tied to the Prime Rate, you will see an immediate benefit. Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and variable rate charge cards are the types of loans that will have an interest rate reduction on their next statement.
What does this mean for long-term rates?
Long-term mortgage rates, the lowest we've experienced in years, could actually increase after today's cut, based on historical performance and recent trends.
So if you're waiting for long-term rates to fall further, don't count on it. Your best chance to lock in the lowest rates since 2005 is now. Getting your application in process now will allow you to capture a great rate before it's too late.
What REALLY moves mortgage rates?
Fixed-rate mortgage rates aren't directly tied to Fed interest rate moves. Instead, they tend to follow in the direction of other long-term government bond yields, such as the 10-year Treasury, which historically moves in accordance with the economic outlook and in advance of Fed actions. The performance of Mortgage Backed Securities, issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, is what really determines long-term mortgage rates.
How does the economic stimulus package fit into the picture?
The economic stimulus package from Congress and the White House could be a double-edged sword for borrowers. Combined with recent Fed actions, the package could create inflation and bring about higher long-term interest rates.
On the positive side, conforming loan limits are likely to be raised from the current $417,000 to upwards of $625,000. This means great potential savings for purchase and refinance candidates who live in 20 high-cost areas across the country.
What should you do next?
If you're unsure how the rate-cut or the proposed legislation affects your mortgage, don't worry, you're not alone. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.
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