April 4, 2008

Fed steps in and cuts again

Bernanke pulls out all the stops to ailing economy

By Denise Morris

The Federal Reserve significantly cut rates for the sixth straight time since September, this time cutting 75 basis points. This follows a busy weekend where the Fed also extended its hand to Wall Street, bailing out Bear Stearns with JP Morgan Chase. While rate cuts look good at face value, you need to prepare for what's to come.

Why did they do this?
The Fed wants you to start spending money and wants to boost consumer and Wall Street confidence. Consumers are under stress with increasing consumer prices and a slowing housing market. Wall Street banks have been under stress from mortgage defaults and their impact on corporate balance sheets.

How does this impact you?
Fed rate cuts are inflationary. Since the Fed started cutting rates in September of last year, oil prices are up nearly 40%, gold prices are up over 25%. This is the direct result of a falling dollar which occurs from Fed rate cuts.

As a result, mortgage rates will ultimately rise from here. It is inevitable. Inflation is the arch enemy of fixed-income investments, long-term bonds and mortgage-backed securities, upon which mortgage rates are based.

Here's a look at the inflation picture: Gas prices last September, prior to the Fed's current cutting trend, were roughly $2.75 a gallon. Today, gasoline averages $3.25 a gallon nationally, up 18% before the first rate cut. This is a sign of inflation.

What should you do now?
If you are looking to refinance, don't wait. Act now to get a great interest rate. Home loan rates have come down over 1.00% in the last two weeks. But after each of the last five rate cuts, we have seen rates rise significantly in a short period of time. Don't get caught saying "I wish I had…"

If you are looking to purchase a home, I want to hear from you right away. Home prices have to fall over 10% to make back what you lose in monthly housing payments if rates increase 1.00%. There are some great buys out there today!

Next step
Pick up the phone and call me.You owe it to yourself. I will review your situation and let you know what I can do to put some money in your pocket. If you wait, it could cost you thousands of dollars. I look forward to hearing from you.

Denise Morris is a licensed real estate broker. She is owner of Windermere Town and Country Properties and Evergreen Homes Loans. If you have any questions concerning real estate or real estate loans, please call Denise at (408) 528-7800 ex. 223 or email your request to denisem@windermere.com.