Mortgages
Rates on the 30-year fixed mortgages rose slightly this week, following increases in Treasury yields.
Freddie Mac says the average rate rose to 4.74 percent this week from 4.71 percent the previous week. It hit a 40-year low of 4.17 percent in November. The average rate on the 15-year loan slipped to 4.05 percent from 4.08 percent. It reached 3.57 percent in November, the lowest level on records starting in 1991.
Rates have changed little in the new year after spiking more than half a percentage point in the last two months. Investors sold off Treasurys bonds during that stretch, driving yields lower. Mortgage rates tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note.
Meetings
Commercial Real Estate Women will meet at 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at 1918 Eighth Ave. in Seattle for wine appetizers and networking. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers.
Seminars
A free seminar on buying bank-owned properties, short sales, foreclosed properties and others is offered by John L. Scott Real Estate from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Snohomish Library, 311 Maple Ave. Call 425-308-1203.
A free workshop for first-time homebuyers will be offered from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday at ERA Dan Williams Realty Office, 303 91st Ave. NE, Lake Stevens. The seminar follows the state Housing Finance Commission curriculum. Call 425-268-9683.
A seminar on mortgage planning for seniors will be offered by at 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday by Crane Financial Group, 17408 Highway 9 in Snohomish. Call 360-217-1015 for information.
Send news to Mike Benbow, Business editor, The Herald, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206, by fax at 425-339-3435 or by e-mail at economy@heraldnet.com.
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