Versus 1 year ago, the cost of carrying a 30-year fixed rate mortgage to full term has dropped by $60,000. Even as the required closing costs are rising.

The number of private-sector jobs created last month fell well short of expectations. Stock markets are off, bond markets are up, and mortgage rates are lower. If you've been shopping, it's a terrific day to lock a mortgage rate.

Fear is rarely as profitable as greed on Wall Street and now that investors have acclimated to the barrage of bad news from Europe, they're looking for positive signal in the market. They're not hard to find. Mortgage rates will rise as a result.

It's rare to hear a newscaster come right out and say "now is the time to refinance your home". It's even more rare when they get the message right. If you missed the last Refi Boom, here's what you need to know.

Mortgage rates are rising. 5 percent, 30-year fixeds will be here soon. It's apparent with just one look at a chart going back 16 months.

Since February, the 12-month LIBOR is up 68 percent. That's bad news for homeowners with pending ARM adjustments. It's now cheaper to refi into a new loan than to let your mortgage rate adjust.

30-year fixed conforming mortgage rates have moved lower on the day and successfully pushed through to their lowest levels of all-time. Let's say it again : Of all time.

Buying a home with a boyfriend, girlfriend or partner is more risky than buying with a spouse. This is because, with respect to Estate Planning, married homeowners typically get federal and state level-protection from which non-married homeowners are exempt.

Look around. Home prices are still low (all things relative) and mortgage rates are ridiculous. It’s no surprise that home affordability is high right now. REALLY high.

In the Mortgage World, the trend is your friend. Ignore past history at your own peril.