Mortgage Roundup (3/9/20) – Coronavirus, Home Sellers & Shorter Mortgages

The CDC warns against long plane trips and cruises as coronavirus cases increase. 

Global markets tumble in the wake of coronavirus growth in the U.S. and as northern Italy goes into lockdown. Six more states vote in Democratic presidential primaries this week. 

And in mortgage news …

The National Association of Realtors cancelled two conferences scheduled to take place in California this month due to the emergence of the coronavirus in the state.

Plummeting oil prices and mortgage rates could boost consumers’ confidence rattled by coronavirus fears

Citi launches $150 million fund to support minority-owned businesses. 

Record-low mortgage rates could turn the traditional 30-year loan into a 20-year loan. Coming off a record week of business, Quicken Loans is seeing more customers refinance existing mortgages in exchange for a shorter duration but not necessarily a lower payment. 

Home sellers are gaining an edge in this year’s housing market. Bidding wars are likely because mortgage rates are low, demand is strong, and the number of homes for sale is way down. 

Bitcoin has failed to rally as the Dow and S&P 500 keep dipping amidst fears of the global economic impact of the Coronavirus. Analysts believe Bitcoin’s ultimate test will be a coronavirus-induced recession.

The U.S. House Financial Services Committee chair called on two Wells Fargo board members to resign in the wake of a fake account scandal.