Interest Rates Trend Report
By: Kevin Hawkins, Golf Savings Bank

Mortgage Rates Head Lower
As of Dec. 12, 2008 -- 5:00 p.m.
Local mortgage rates for conforming loans today were once again back to their lowest level in years. The 30 Yr Fixed Rate conforming loan at the end of the day on Friday was in the 4.875% to 5.375% range depending on 1 point to no points (along with other credit factors); 15 Yr Fixed Rate loans now ranging from 4.875% to 5.25%. The 5 Yr Fixed Period ARMs today range from 5.375% to 6.25%, depending on three-quarters of a point to no points.

JUMBO "DEALS OF THE WEEK": The best-priced 30 Yr Fixed Rate Jumbo loans range from 5.875% (up to $600,000) range from 5.875% to 6.20% (up to $900,000) with 1 to 1.5 points; 15 Yr Jumbo loan rate up to $1,500,000 loan size can be as low as 5.375% with one point. Niche Jumbo lenders are offering the 5 Yr ARM as low as 5.25% with no points and a half-point loan origination fee, up to $1,500,000.

Homeowners HOPENOW: http://www.hopenow.com/

Homeownership Preservation Foundation: http://www.hpfonline.org/

How To Avoid Foreclosure (ideas from HUD): http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/

A Consumer's Guide to ID Theft Awareness and Avoidance
http://www.krollfraudsolutions.com/understanding-id-theft/consumer-tips.aspx