In Monday's consumer and money headlines, UPS boosting rates, plus this week's mortgage rates.
Starting in January it will cost you 6 percent more to ship a package via UPS Ground and an additional 5 percent to send it by air. Watch for FedEx and the United States Postal Service to take a close look at this one.
In the housing market, there's good news for Metro Atlanta home mortgage rates, but not such good news if you're trying to qualify for that loan. Significantly tighter credit is making it more difficult for buyers to walk in the front door and sign contracts.
Lenders say borrowers can now expect to pay at least 20 percent down, have a near perfect credit history with scores of 680 or above, and if refinancing, they may often be required to have two appraisals to verify home values.
But for those who qualify, Metro Atlanta home mortgage rates continue below the national average, with the best 30-year fixed rate set at from 6.25 percent to 6.375 percent and no points. In the shorter term, the best 15-year set at 6 percent and no points.
Be sure to consider refinancing if your rate is a half point or higher than the prevailing rate.
