30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Holds Steady at 4.88 Percent

McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS), which shows mortgage rates holding steady and below 5.0 percent.

30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.88 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending March 10, 2011, up from last week when it averaged 4.87 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.95 percent.

15-year FRM this week averaged 4.15 percent with an average 0.7 point, the same from last week when it averaged 4.15 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.32 percent.

5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.73 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 3.72 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 4.05 percent.

1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 3.21 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.23 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 4.22 percent.

Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist of Freddie Mac, reports, “Mortgage rates held steady amid a strong employment report . The private sector added 222,000 jobs in February, the most since March 2006 while the unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent, the lowest share since April 2009.”

“Interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have averaged at or below 5 percent in every week but one this year, contributing to record home affordability. The National Association of Realtors®Housing Affordability Index rose to an all-time record high in January, based on figures dating back to 1971. More recently, mortgage applications jumped almost 16 percent over the week ended March 4, 2011 representing the largest percent increase since the week of June 11, 2009.”

Published: March 11, 2011

30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Drops for Third Consecutive Week

McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), which shows a drop in long-term fixed rates for the third consecutive week.

30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.87 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending March 3, 2011, down from last week when it averaged 4.95 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.97 percent.

15-year FRM this week averaged 4.15 percent with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.22 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.33 percent.

5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.72 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.8 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 4.11 percent.

1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 3.23 percent this week with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.4 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 4.27 percent.

Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist at Freddie Mac, reports, “Mortgage rates saw an overall improvement this week. Interest rates for 30-year fixed mortgages were almost 0.2 percentage points below this year’s high set just three weeks ago. This means that homebuyers could now expect to pay $263 less per year on a $200,000 loan.”

“However, housing demand still remains weak. New home sales in January were near record lows dating back to 1963 when the data began, according to the Census Bureau . Similarly, pending sales of existing homes fell for the second consecutive month in January, according to the National Association of Realtors® .”

Published: March 4, 2011

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Mortgage Rates Ease Down to Better Pricing

This past week mortgage rates eased down to better pricing which is positive news for borrowers. Freerateupdate.com’s daily survey of wholesale and direct lenders show that current 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.875% after two decreases over the past week while 30 year fixed mortgage rates remain the same at 4.750%. 5/1 ARM loans rates also decreased .125% to the current 3.125%. Available with 0.7 to 1% origination fee, these are the best mortgage rates available to borrowers who have good credit and the ability to meet lender guidelines.

FHA 30 year fixed mortgage rates decreased .125% and are at 4.500% while FHA 15year fixed mortgage rates remain the same at 4.000%. FHA 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates also decreased .125% and are at 3.500%. Offering the benefit of a low down payment, FHA mortgage loans continue to be popular with borrowers even though FHA closing costs (APR) are higher due to various FHA fees and the upfront mortgage insurance premium.

Jumbo mortgage loans also saw improvement this week. Jumbo 30 year fixed mortgage rates are at 5.375% and jumbo adjustable mortgage rates are at 3.875%, both decreasing .125%. Jumbo 15 year fixed mortgage rates remain the same at 5.250%. Jumbo mortgage loans are necessary for mortgage financing above the conforming loan limit which is $417,000 to $729,250 depending on the area. For well qualified borrowers, these are the best jumbo mortgage rates available with 0.7 to 1% origination point.

MBS prices (mortgage backed securities) saw the highest jump last Tuesday which resulted in the decline of mortgage rates. Mortgage rates move in the opposite direction of MBS prices. The current unrest in the Middle East has caused investors to move money into safe investments this past week. Although pending home sales was below expectation, other economic data releases included higher consumer confidence, increased existing home sales, lower jobless claims and an increase in personal income, all of which point to a slow but steady economic recovery.

FreeRateUpdate.com surveys more than two dozen wholesale and direct lenders’ rate sheets to determine the most accurate mortgage rates available to well qualified consumers at a standard .07 to 1 point origination.