Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a writer with The Mortgage Reports website (www.themortgagereports.com). I’m looking to interview mortgage/lending professionals, financial industry experts, real estate agents, and other housing experts for the following story:

HOW LOW CAN THEY GO? According to the MBA, recently, the average mortgage loan rate for a conforming 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased from 3.85% to 3.83%; also, Black Knight Financial Services reports that mortgage interest rates fell by 30 basis points in the first six weeks of 2016, Mortgage interest rates continue to drop in early 2016 – but how low will they continue to go? And what does this trend mean to prospective borrowers? This article would attempt to answer those questions and provide a forecast for the near-and long-term future of 2016. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time, Tuesday, March 15.

QUESTIONS:
1. Why are mortgage interest rates continuing to drop in 2016? Isn’t this contrary to what was expected after the Fed raised interest rates late last year?
2. What factors are contributing to the fall in mortgage interest rates over the last few months?
3. Mortgage rates actually ticked up over the last week slightly, reversing the trend I’m outlining in the story; but will this trend continue and why/why not in your opinion?
4. What is your prediction for the rest of 2016 when it comes to fixed-rate mortgages: How low can rates possibly go this year? Will rates continue their previous trend of falling? Or will they inch up and, if so, to what high-level this year? Why? What are the repercussions for prospective borrowers?
5. How have adjustable rate mortgages been faring lately – have rates been going up or down since the start of 2016, and what are the indicators here? What do you anticipate happening with adjustable rate mortgages over the rest of 2016?
6. What is your advice to prospective mortgage borrowers? Should they act soon to lock-in a relatively low rate, or should they wait for rates to dip even lower (assuming they qualify)? What about current borrowers – do you recommend they consider refinancing to capitalize on lower rates soon? Why/why not?
7. What are the best rate mortgage loan programs out there offering the lowest rates/best deals for those who qualify? Any government loan programs to take note of right now?
8. How does a prospective borrower qualify for the lowest fixed mortgage rate right now? What criteria do they have to meet?
9. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?
10. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?