Cowen's Corner-Mortgage Market Update: One Step Forward, One Step Back

June 9, 2025
Greetings from me Casa: As noted a few weeks back, the kids + one are back from school. Its great having them home, my / our routine is a disaster, and itโ€™s a fight to relax after a long day even for a minute. But here is the thing that is taking its toll. If there was a Hall of Fame or a Guiness Book of World Records for leaving lights on in the house or leaving random feet apparel throughout the house, my family would be in one, the other or both.
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I have never seen a place where lights are left on more. Our garage door doesn’t work ( long story ) so no reason to open the door to the foyer to get into the garage and yet, that light is on any time I walk by. Bedroom lights, bathroom lights, hallway lights on 24/7. I turn them off and somehow miraculously they are back on a couple of hours later. Never seen anything like it. Good thing it doesn’t cause stress for me ๐Ÿ˜Š.

Market News

Just when you think you have it figured out, you don’t. That has been the theme for some time with mortgage rates and the market. As noted last week, we had some manufacturing data released this week as well as the very important JOBS report or non-farm payrolls. Mid-week, the manufacturing data was weaker than expected and rates improved from the lower levels of last week. Friday comes along and the number of jobs that were created for the month was a tad better than expected pushing rates higher. By the close yesterday, most programs were at or fractionally higher than last week’s levels. Pretty typical of the recent trend. One step forward, one step back. This is why our team is so passionate about providing expert advice to our clients and why we use our knowledge to have quality conversations and ensure our clients have all the information they need to make a sound financial decision.

So, what’s next? Wednesday, we get our first inflation read for May. As previously mentioned, for rates to improve notably from here we need weaker economic data ( mixed bag right now ), we need lower inflation ( still uncertainty about that ) levels, or we need to see notable improvements with Government Spending ( haven’t seen that ). Will be an interesting week for sure. If you or someone you know is making offers on houses this weekend, we would be happy to chat with them about a pre-approval and or discuss rates / programs that work best for them.

Best wishes for a great weekend.

-Steve-

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About the Company

Founded in 1871, BCT - Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTC:PTBS). With approximately $896 million in assets as of March 31, 2025, the Company conducts operations through its main office, an additional eight branch offices, and two loan production offices.  BCT’s offices are located in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties (WV), Washington County (MD), and Loudoun and Stafford Counties (VA).   The Bank offers commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction loans, commercial real estate loans, agricultural loans, and government contractor loans.  The Bank is also a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender.  The Residential Lending division offers secondary market and portfolio mortgage loans, one-time close construction to perm loans, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit.  For over 70 years, BCT Wealth Advisors has provided caring and personalized trust services, growing into a premier financial management, investment strategies, and estate services provider.  The Bank also provides convenient online and mobile banking for individuals, businesses, and local governments plus free access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint® network plus another approximately 675 free access ATMs through another partnership.  BCT was voted WINNER in the LoudounNow 2024 Loudoun’s Favorite readers’ poll in four categories:  Bank, Mortgage Company, Banker, and Financial Planner.  BCT was voted a “Best of the Best” winner in the 2024 Martinsburg Journal-News Readers’ Choice Awards in three categories:  Bank, Loan Services, and Financial Planning. In 2023, American Banker selected BCT as a “Top 200 Community Bank,” an annual listing of the best performing banks in the United States with assets under $2 billion.  Since 2019, the Bank has been named a “Best Bank To Work For” by American Banker five times.

The Company's shares are quoted on the OTC Pink Sheet marketplace under the symbol "PTBS."  Individuals may purchase shares under the symbol “PTBS” by contacting Shane Bell, EVP and CFO, at sbell@mybct.bank, or through one’s personal broker.  For more information about Potomac Bancshares, Inc., and the Bank, please visit our website at www.mybct.bank.