Higher Rates - What do you think?

[Chris Webb]

With the better than expected jobs report last week and the new CPI report and given the Fed’s dual mandate, I think at least a 0.5% rate increase.

[Taylor L.]

The rate increases are pushing me to be less aggressive with a new primary residence purchase because I believe retail buyers will be less cognizant of the actual costs of rate increases, so the residential market may remain quite competitive for some time. On the commercial side, rate increases should be incorporated into underwriting models so I am less concerned there. Overall I think it's highly unlikely that we're looking at another Paul Volcker-style massive rate increase, but it's not impossible.