Perhaps, but the ecomony is still extremely fragile and will not withstand large , nor regular increases.

When the powers that be decide we will have something to blog about.

I also agree with the answer provided by Norm - Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386.

The have already started to rise and on 12/14/16 we'll see what the Fed does. I predict a short drop, followed by a steady climb into the 2nd quarter 2017.

I think they have been low for so long and since they haven't moved substantially in years, it may be a new norm and old models may no longer apply.

If only I had a crystal ball ... 

I hope they stay but everything that drops eventually rises...

Yes I do but they have no other choice in order to keep the economy going. I guess come December they are going to give it another look. I think they will try to make them rise which I'm not sure will work.

My area is still limping along with our inventory suddenly rising over the last 2 months. Doesn't sound like boom town around here.

No with inflation staying low and China's economic problems causing fears of recession. However, a .25 point rise is still on the table.

nope I don't.  I think a raise in them would crash and burn the market

It's not artificial.  It's a reflection of the economy and fiscal policies.  

If you ask 100 economists this question, you will get 100 answers.  I let the experts with all of the information deal with this type of question.

Alternatively, my crystal ball is on vacation today.

Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386 nailed this one!

I'm with Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386 on this one.

Yes and it is a good time to take advantage of them.

NO, not artificially low as demand for mortgages is low resulting in low interest rates. After the election if  the dems win, they will spike as the national debt will hit the ceiling. If the GOP wins, you may get a quick bump up as the administration looks to punish the voters however market forced will drive it back down when no one is applying for money

Yes, and there is a tendency to believe that it is political. I think they will go up after the election.

Yes, but the economy is to fragile to raise them much at this time. We also have to consider our debt load and the effect of higher interest!

The govt sets the rates, not the market.

Good morning Buzz.  It all depends IMHO on who is elected.  regardless sooner or later the rates will rise.

I believe Norm has this one.

Of course they are and whether they go up depends upon the election outcome.

I have heard they will remain fairly low, as some parts of the Country are not enjoying a strong market yet.

no.

They are what they are. They've been what they've been for quite a while now? Will they go up? Probably. When? My crystal ball was broken by a bad fairy a long time ago.

Yes, very much so

I think so. It's been at this range for too long. Kind of, too good to be true. I am sure it will remain same for another year or so

Indeed! They are creeping up right now! 

Yes.  My money is that they will go up for a few quarters so that if they have to lower them again, they can.

Yes I do - hang on to your hat, we're in for a nasty ride

I agree with Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386 

They are set by the FED, which is driven by the stregth of the economy.

I think Kenneth Jones gave you a great answer.

Interest rises benefit the economyin the long run.  Can try "zero" interest on mortgage see if it helps the housing sector...,

Might we just as well be using Monopoly money? It's all artificial.

Thanks for the Q and interesting discussion back & forth.

Buzz

Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386 have the answer that I agree with.  On paper we (the US) may look good, but we are definitely in a fragile state.  A

Without low rates, who could afford this stuff?

Buzz Mackintosh Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386 have this one.

I really don't know but for the sake of our business I hope they stay low and never go back to the high rates we saw in the 80's!

No. Interest rates are low because there are 92 million Americans who are invisible, but known the the government, who are unable to participate in the economy because of the policies they created..

When the Fed raises there rate to above 2% the banks will be compelled to lend rather than rewarded for hording their deposits.

yes - and eventually they have to go up - 

Up, Up up