Mortgage rates were slightly higher for the first time in 8 days as markets braced for the impact of political developments.  The big issue of the day was (and still is) the healthcare bill set to be debated in the House of Representatives tonight.  

In general, if the bill is passed, investors will be more keen to believe in the viability of other legislation more germane to financial markets (like tax cuts, other stimulus, and regulatory reform).  Those "other" policy points were key reasons for the sharp move higher in rates at the end of 2016.  If confidence increases, it could put the same pressure back on rates.  But if investors lose confidence in the policy potential, stocks and bonds would have more motivation to move lower (as they've both been doing for the past 2 weeks).

As of yesterday, the healthcare vote was tentatively scheduled for tonight.  The most recent news suggests that the vote will not be held until tomorrow morning.  It continues to be the case that the vote is a focal point for volatility.  Because we can't be sure of much of anything when it comes to political posturing, financial markets are ready to move in either direction from here and likely with more momentum than we've seen in the past few days.

The average lender is quoting conventional 30yr fixed rates of 4.25% on top tier scenarios.  Some lenders  are as low as 4.125%, and a few  remain at 4.375%.