In State of the Union Speech, Obama Talks Mortgage Rates

President Barack Obama, in his first State of the Union speech since winning re-election said the federal government needs to streamline mortgage rules that are preventing many creditworthy buyers from purchasing a home. The same rules are also making it harder for creditworthy homeowners from refinancing their existing loan to a lower mortgage rate.

Even though mortgage rates today are just above record lows, millions of people can't take advantage of low rates. Current 30 year conforming mortgage rates are averaging 3.66 percent and the lowest mortgage rates available on 30 year loans are around 3.00 percent to 3.25 percent.

Obama said, "Part of our rebuilding effort must also involve our housing sector. Today, our housing market is finally healing from the collapse of 2007. Home prices are rising at the fastest pace in six years, home purchases are up nearly 50 percent, and construction is expanding again."

Loan Term
Lender
APR / Rate
Fees / Points
Payment
PenFed Credit Union
NMLS #401822
5.157%
15-Year Fixed
4.875%
$7,500
Includes 0.875 points for $3,500
Lender Fees: $4,000
$3,138 /mo
District Lending
NMLS #1835285
5.478%
15-Year Fixed
5.250%
$6,000
Includes 1.000 points for $4,000
Lender Fees: $2,000
$3,216 /mo
Watermark Capital
NMLS #1838
5.917%
15-Year Fixed
5.750%
$4,331
Includes 0.708 points for $2,832
Lender Fees: $1,499
$3,322 /mo
Solidify Mortgage Advisors
NMLS #1283930
License: 01970483
5.933%
15-Year Fixed
5.750%
$4,737
Includes 0.903 points for $3,612
Lender Fees: $1,125
$3,322 /mo
Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Inc.
NMLS #1025894
6.013%
15-Year Fixed
5.875%
$3,552
Includes 0.713 points for $2,852
Lender Fees: $700
$3,349 /mo
District Lending
NMLS #1835285
6.368%
30-Year Fixed
6.250%
$5,000
Includes 0.750 points for $3,000
Lender Fees: $2,000
$2,463 /mo
Rocket Mortgage
NMLS #3030
6.513%
15-Year Fixed
6.375%
$3,500
Includes 0.875 points for $3,500
Lender Fees: $0
$3,458 /mo
Watermark Capital
NMLS #1838
6.739%
30-Year Fixed
6.625%
$4,719
Includes 0.805 points for $3,220
Lender Fees: $1,499
$2,562 /mo
Solidify Mortgage Advisors
NMLS #1283930
License: 01970483
6.749%
30-Year Fixed
6.625%
$5,125
Includes 1.000 points for $4,000
Lender Fees: $1,125
$2,562 /mo
District Lending
NMLS #1835285
6.890%
5-Year ARM
6.750%
$5,756
Includes 0.939 points for $3,756
Lender Fees: $2,000
$2,595 /mo
Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Inc.
NMLS #1025894
6.958%
30-Year Fixed
6.875%
$3,392
Includes 0.673 points for $2,692
Lender Fees: $700
$2,628 /mo
PenFed Credit Union
NMLS #401822
7.034%
30-Year Fixed
6.875%
$6,500
Includes 0.625 points for $2,500
Lender Fees: $4,000
$2,628 /mo
Rocket Mortgage
NMLS #3030
7.313%
30-Year Fixed
7.250%
$2,500
Includes 0.625 points for $2,500
Lender Fees: $0
$2,729 /mo
Rate data provided by RateUpdate.com. Displayed by ICB, a division of Mortgage Research Center, NMLS #1907, Equal Housing Opportunity. Payments do not include taxes and insurance premiums. Actual payments will be greater with taxes and insurance included. Rate and product details.

He continued to say, "But even with mortgage rates near a 50-year low, too many families with solid credit who want to buy a home are being rejected. Too many families who have never missed a payment and want to refinance are being told no. That’s holding our entire economy back, and we need to fix it. Right now, there’s a bill in this Congress that would give every responsible homeowner in America the chance to save $3,000 a year by refinancing at today’s rates. Democrats and Republicans have supported it before. What are we waiting for? Take a vote, and send me that bill. Right now, overlapping regulations keep responsible young families from buying their first home. What’s holding us back? Let’s streamline the process, and help our economy grow."

The President makes valid points on mortgage rates, housing, and the economy. There are millions of homeowners who do not have enough equity in the home to refinance their loan. Current refinance rates on 15 year conforming loans are averaging 2.91 percent and there are lenders quoting 15 year refinance rates today as low as 2.25 percent with points.

There are bills pending in Congress that if passed, would help these homeowners refinance. The "Responsible Homeowners Refinancing Act" that was written by Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) would allow homeowners to streamline refi's of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans.

If millions of people were able to refinance and save $3,000 a year, this would be a boon to the economy, increasing disposable income for people and thus, creating jobs which are sorely needed. You can watch President Obama's State of the Union Speech on housing and mortgage rates here:

 
Author: Brian McKay
February 14th, 2013

Explore Other Mortgage and Refinance Offers