As many as 85% of new mortgagors are choosing fixed rates, says CAAMP. It makes you wonder, what is it going to take to get that number back to its historical average of ~65%?
For one thing, the fixed-variable spread (i.e., difference between fixed and variable rates) needs to widen. With today’s typical 5-year fixed at 2.84% and discounted variables at 2.45%, that spread is currently ~39 basis points.
As a rough rule of thumb, when the fixed-variable spread hits 100 basis points, demand for variables noticeably increases. Spreads are currently a ways off from that point, but we may inch closer this summer.
Despite prime rate being stuck at 3.00% for 1,000 days now, floating rates have slowly been improving. They’re being aided, in part, by falling short-term funding costs. The 1-year LIBOR (chart below) is a very rough proxy of these.
(Click to enlarge – Chart by Quotemedia)
The proof is in lender offers, and the latest comes from RMG Mortgages. Last week it launched a prime – 0.50% product (more on that below). That’s the biggest variable discount of any national lender since 2011, when they hit prime – 0.90% (or better).
The fixed-variable spread is also widening because of slightly higher long-term rates. The 5-year yield (which leads fixed rates) hit a fresh 4-month high today at 1.53%, before falling 6 bps on concerning news that U.S. manufacturing contracted.
(Click to enlarge – Chart by Investing.com)
There’s no way to tell if the recent spurt up in bond yields has staying power. Considerable resistance lies above at the 1.55% to 1.60% level. Yields have been rebuffed twice before when attempting to pierce that range. Until they do, odds are low that 5-year fixed rates and the fixed-variable spread will increase significantly.
More on RMG’s New “Low Rate Basic” Variable
- Rate: Prime – 0.50% (2.50% today)
- Term: 5 years
- Lump-sum prepayments: 20% annually
- Payment increase option: 20% annually
- Loan-to-value: High-ratio insured only
- Conversion: Can be converted free of charge to a Low Rate 5-year fixed or standard 5-year fixed
- Penalty: 3% of outstanding principal
- Increase & Blends: Not available
- Maximum Mortgage: $750,000
- Online Account Access: Not available
- Pre-Approvals: Not available
- Portable: Yes
- Rate Hold: 90 days
RMG’s rate is solid but some will be skeptical about the restrictions of this product. Given the above-average penalty, it’s a product geared to people who expect minimal changes to their mortgage for five years. That includes the minority of variable-rate borrowers with less than 20% equity.
That said, you can reduce the penalty by converting to RMG’s standard 5-year fixed (with its normal 3-month interest/IRD charge). The penalty is also partially rebated when a client gets a new mortgage from RMG within 90 days of discharge.
Rob McLister, CMT
Last modified: April 26, 2014
The management of RMG are smart in the way they present the 3% penalty to brokers. At least to this broker.
They offer on both conventional and hi-ratio but they recommend both of the 3% penalty products be sold on 5% down hi-ratio mortgage. Let’s face facts, RMG will Port and Blend their mortgages if the client needs to move to a bigger place; and with little value increase upside for the next few years those who want out of a 5% down mortgage prior to maturity are going to be way under water even with a 3 months interest penalty. When offering this product we emphasize hi-ratio and a commitment to stay in the mortgage for 5 – years.
I’d go with a one year fixed instead at 2.28%. The rate is better and there isn’t as much fine print.
Who is offering a 1 year fixed at 2.28% through the broker channel?