Experts expect refinancing boom to continue

Historically low interest rates that sparked a refinancing boom late last year should continue through the first half of 2009, banking experts said.

"I do expect the environment of ultra-low mortgage rates to persist at least through the first half of 2009," said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com. "This will aid both homeowners looking to refinance as well as prospective homebuyers."

With rates running at historic lows of 5 percent or below, Anne Arundel County mortgage brokers and bank officials said they have been inundated with...