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The Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 11,000 this week for the first time since June 2001.

Aaahhhh, June 2001.  If memory serves...

• That was right after scores of techies watched their options turn into dust
• That was right after your parents lost their retirement nest eggs
• That was right after Ray Bourque sold out for an Avalanche championship.

At the time, reports on the Dow and Nasdaq made the news every night.  Sometimes, it was the lead story. 

Looking back, it was stupid.  But, it happened.  And then the market tanked. 

All of a sudden, we had more important things to worry about like the War in Iraq and homeland security issues.  Messrs. Dow and Nasdaq retired back to their rightful places in the Business section and CNBC.

Until this week. 

The psychological 11,000 DJIA level was crossed and people are buzzing again.  "Regular" news networks covering the story and that is drawing even more attention to the stock markets. 

Now, it may be part-media-fueled speculation, but the rally in stock prices is definitely impacting mortgage rates. That's because investors are fueling the stock markets with money from their "less sexy" bonds.

When bonds are in high supply, the prices fall.  And bond yields move in the opposite direction from prices so when money moves from mortgage bonds, mortgage rates move higher.

If you're in the process of buying a home, or are considering a remortgage, a terrific cue to lock in your mortgage rate could be the stories you see on TV and read in the papers.  If The Today Show is talking about the Dow Jones Industrial Average, it may be time to call your mortgage banker and get committed.

Dan Green is an active loan officer. Email or call 513-443-2020. Dan is on Twitter at @mortgagereports.