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Suggests that it is not too late to refinance a mortgage, even if a person missed the very low rates, as of November 1998. The question of whether it makes sense to refinance; The benefit of short-term mortgages; The change in the cost of several products, including electricity and condominiums; Why most refinancers will choose a no-points loan.

Considers how a bond market rally could lead to big savings for home buyers. Drop of long-term interest rates in May 1995; Possibility that rates may continue to fall; Predictions.

Reports that in conjunction with GE Capital Mortgage Insurance Corp., some lenders backed by the Federal National Mortgage Association--the nation's largest supplier of home mortgage funds--now offers 30-year loans with 3 percent down payments rather than the usual 5% to 20%. Loan limits which vary by city; Borrowers qualifying for Federal Housing Administration-insured loans; Nothing-down program offered by Fleet Financial Group.

States that low mortgage rates continue to spur home sales, and with increased demand, median sales prices for existing homes are inching upward. Number of existing single-family homes sold in 1992 and 1993; Average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in 1992, 1993 and 1994; Projected increase in median price of existing United States single-family homes for 1994; More.

Predicts that mortgage rates have room to fall a bit more in early 1994 as it becomes clear that inflation and economic growth are not accelerating to a higher plane. Reason for modest inflation; Why borrowers shouldn't bank on another huge drop in long-term rates.

Discusses means by which homeowners can gain from Asian banks' decision to trim down mortgage loan rates. Trend among Asian homeowners of considering the option of mortgage refinancing; Guidelines for homeowners in adjusting to the trimmed down mortgage loan rates in the country; Factors to consider when planning to refinance mortgage loans under a lower interest rate. INSET: HOME TRUTHS..

Discusses the important issues identified in the financial economics literature on mortgage valuation and repayment risk in the United States. Decline of mortgage interest rates in the early part of 1998; Components of mortgage rates; Background history of mortgage rates and prepayment rates.

Argues that Australian home buyers who lock into a long-term, fixed-rate mortgage could be taking a big risk. Advice offered by interest-rate researcher Andrew Willink; Why borrowers may be attracted to the 15-year, fixed-rate loan; Other way for borrowers to gain a degree of long-term certainty about their mortgages; His suspicion that variable rates will not increase until 1998.

Offers advice to home buyers and refinancers on getting a 30-year mortgage at seven percent without paying high closing costs. Intermediate-term, adjustable-rate mortgages; Higher monthly payments; Highlights of a survey by Bank Rate Monitor, a North Palm Beach, Florida, provider of financial-product information.

Focuses on the increase of mortgage rates. Why mortgages are still relatively affordable; How the new rates have hampered the refinancing party; How to make refinancing worthwhile.

Declares that mortgage loan officers may be sizing you up as an opportunity to earn a little extra money at your expense. The commissions earned by loan officers; Overages, a bonus commission, which pads the interest rate; Advice for the borrower.

Mentions economic indicators worldwide as of April 8, 2002. Promise of Britain's Chase de Vere Mortgage Management to cut home-loan rates according to the national team's World Cup success; Approval in India for cultivation of genetically modified cotton; Rise in U.S. and German consumer confidence; Spain's government anti-tobacco lawsuit.

Reports on the low prices of property in Belgium. Why only few members of the expatriate community buy their own homes; Why house purchase is a good investment; Mortgage interest rates; Warning to would-be buyers.

Provides tips for understanding home loan costs in Australia. The average annual percentage rate; Questions to ask when comparing loans on offer; Costs other than interest associated with home loans.

Summarizes loan rates in different parts of the United States as of May 1999. Rate and description at lenders in New York, New York, Atlanta, Georgia, Chicago, Illinois, Phoenix, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California; National averages on 30-year mortgages and other loans.

Reveals that the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce raised its five-year mortgage rate by one-quarter of a point in early March 1999. Second increase since December 1998; What analysts attribute this move to; Mortgage fluctuations since April 1998.

Reports on news regarding business in Canada and the United States. Drop in mortgage rates by Canada's major banks; Report by Finance Minister Paul Martin that indicates Canadians will not have to pay a higher contribution rate into the Canada Pension Plan in future years; Decision by a US judge that upheld American customs decision that puts quotas on predrilled lumber.

Presents Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. predictions regarding mortgage rates in Canada. The rates as being stable through most of 1997; The posted rate on a one-year closed mortgage prediction; The five-year rate.

Offers predictions of analysts about the impact of mortgage rate cuts in Canada on housing construction and home sales. What the interest rates are in August 1996.

Reports on falling mortgage rates in Canada. Sales from first-time buyers especially high in the Toronto area; Reduced short-term mortgage rates of major banks.

Describes the cut in mortgage rates by mortgage lenders being the lowest in two years in Canada. Percentage point drop.

States that Canadian banks and trust companies boosted their mortgage rates sharply in March 1994. The rates, which in the past few months had been at their lowest levels in almost 30 years, have been under pressure from increases in United States rates prompted by fears of rising inflation. Examples of rates.

Reports that the Bank of America plans to offer a fixed-rate loan with a penalty of around 1.6 percent of the original loan amount if one prepays during the first three years. Why this offer should appeal to investors and discourage borrowers from refinancing; Prepayment penalties not detrimental to the consumer at a time when mortgage rates are at historic lows.

Presents an overview of strategies for locating a low cost mortgage rate around the country. Table of five metropolitan areas; Phone number and requirements for HSH Associates and Mortgage Market Information Services.

Provides graphs of national averages for the week ending August 18, 1995 of loan rates for 30-year mortgages, one-year ARMs, and auto loans as surveyed by HSH Associates.

Looks at mortgage rates in the summer of 1995. The question of whether or not to lock in a rate; Information on loan rates; 30-year mortgages One-year ARMs; Auto loans.

Forecasts the performance of bonds, savings, and mortgages in the United States for autumn 1994. Likely Federal Reserve Board decisions on short-term and long-term rates; 30-year Treasury yield.

Recommends adjustable rate mortgages for rock bottom interest rates. Bargain ARMs recently at around 3 3/4%; Offering from South State Mortgage (Atlanta) at 2 7/8% with three points; Rate change for ARMs pegged to the 11th District Cost of Funds Index; Contact points for more information.

Reports briefly on the fact that banks in Canada raised mortgage rates in December 1997 for a third time in a month. Amount of total increase of finance costs; Reasons for continued rise in finance costs in Canada; Predictions of economists regarding consumer confidence; Drop in sales of houses in Canada since November 1997.