Seattle Mortgage Rates Today 10/15/2012: There is not much to report today as mortgage bonds remain relatively unchanged ahead of this week’s economic reports.  Slightly affecting market, Retail sales for the month of September climbed as consumer confidence strengthened.  The Commerce Department reported a rise of 1.1% last month on the coattails of a declining unemployment rate which currently sits at 7.8%.  The Fed’s implementation of QE3 last month has affected the market positively and will continue easing until the labor market improves considerably.  The promise to keep interest rates at rock bottom until the economy markedly improves is much appreciated reflected by the upward tick in stocks.

Rates are just short of their all-time lows, so locking is an option for those who need to lock.  For those who can wait—refinances—carefully floating and be on the ready to lock may be the best option for you.