Good morning from Astoria, Oregon.
I’m writing this from our room at the Bowline Hotel, with a herd (pod? committee?) of very committed resident sea lions barking below our window. If you’ve stayed here, you know exactly what I mean.
This is where our road trip began—and where it’s ending.
We left from Astoria headed south toward sunshine and desert skies, spending time in Palm Desert and standing in awe at the Grand Canyon. After taking in so much beauty, we decided to come full circle and return to where we started.
There’s something meaningful about that.
Back to Work Tomorrow
Tomorrow I’m officially back in the office and fully plugged back into mortgage mode.
Even while traveling, I’ve been watching the markets. But there’s something energizing about coming back refreshed and ready to serve.
If you’ve been thinking about:
- Buying your first home
- Moving up or downsizing
- Refinancing
- Or just getting a mortgage check-up
I’m here and ready.
What May Impact Mortgage Rates This Week
Monday markets were closed for Presidents Day, so we have a full slate of economic data packed into the rest of the week.
Here’s what I’m watching:
Tuesday
- Retail Sales
- Empire State Index
- Housing Market Index
Wednesday
- Durable Goods Orders
- Housing Starts
- Housing Permits
Thursday
-
Jobless Claims
Friday
- GDP
- Personal Income & Outlays
- New Home Sales
Retail Sales and GDP tend to carry significant weight because they reflect overall economic strength. If the economy appears stronger than expected, that can put upward pressure on rates. Softer data can sometimes help rates improve.
Housing data (Starts, Permits, New Home Sales) gives us insight into builder activity and overall housing demand. And of course, Jobless Claims is always important as it provides a pulse on the labor market.
It’s a busy week—so expect potential movement.
Where Rates Stood Last Week
According to Optimal Blue, mortgage rates for the 30-year conforming loan averaged 5.976% as of last Friday.
A couple important notes:
- These are averages based on lenders who use Optimal Blue for locking.
- We don’t know what borrower profiles or pricing adjustments were factored into those numbers.
- Those rates are already expired—they reflect Friday’s pricing.
- Mortgage rates change constantly throughout the day.
Your rate depends on your credit score, down payment, property type, loan amount, occupancy, and more.
For current rates based on your personal scenario, please reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to run numbers specific to you.
Grateful & Ready
I’m grateful for:
- Safe travels
- Incredible landscapes
- Quiet desert sunrises
- Very loud sea lions
- And the ability to do work I truly love
Travel gives perspective. Coming home gives purpose.
Thank you for following along on this journey. I’ll be back tomorrow—rested, inspired, and ready to help.
If you need anything at all, I’m just a call, text, or email away.
Today, as we celebrate Presidents Day, I’ve been thinking about a leader who shaped so much of what we’re able to enjoy today — especially when we’re out on the open road.
Using a Reverse Mortgage to Improve Your Home and Age in Place.
Bank Statement Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers
Today is “Fed Day” when the FOMC wraps up their two-day meeting and announce if there will be any changes to the Fed Funds rate.
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