Hi Tim, and welcome to the Blog! What I find most interesting, and I have harped on this several times before, is that the buyers I talk to seem not the least bit concerned with interest rates but only concerned with where prices are heading. Both are important in the buying equation, however, and as you point out, rates are likely more favorable now than they will be a few months from now. Thanks for the lending point of view, and l look forward to your continued participation in the discussion here. More perspectives, more value to the reader. One thing I am curious about; from your perspective, as rates have risen slightly and home prices softened, how has that affected the purchase power of the average buyer you meet?

Another perspective check… Buyers need to remember their motivation for buying regadless of interest rates and/or price. If you intend to “flip” the home in a year or two and make a windfall profit– those days are gone. However, if you are buying based upon traditional purposes, you can’t forget the primary benefit, even beyond the long term benefits of equity accumulation, tax write-offs, etc… the value of living in your dream home and enjoying it every day. THAT is priceless.

Steve: I think you just wrote a mastercard commercial…call them up and reap the reward before I do.