The Federal Government has been buying mortgage backed securities for over a year to maintain low interest rates. They are reducing the volume they are purchasing and plan to end the current program March 31. Don't be surprised if the interest rates begin to spiral upward. A 1% increase in interest rates will make a $63 increase on a $100,000 loan. Over the life of a 30 year mortgage that $63 would equal more than $20,000 in additional cost of your home. Now might be the best time to buy a home in our lifetime.