Mortgage Rates Dip Under Seven Percent

Rhea-AI Summary

Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) reported a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging 6.95% as of November 3, 2022, down from 7.08% last week. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.29%, and the 5-year ARM averaged 5.95%. A year ago, these rates were significantly lower, with the 30-year FRM at 3.09%. Freddie Mac's Chief Economist noted that ongoing high rates and uncertainty in the housing market are dampening demand. Starting November 17, 2022, Freddie Mac will enhance its PMMS by basing results on applications from lenders instead of surveys.

Positive

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased to 6.95%, highlighting a slight improvement in mortgage affordability.
• Freddie Mac is updating the PMMS methodology for improved accuracy in mortgage rates data.

Negative

• Mortgage rates remain high, contributing to declining demand in the housing market.
• The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate hikes are expected to negatively impact housing affordability.

MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey^® (PMMS^®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.95 percent.

“Mortgage rates continue to hover around seven percent, as the dynamics of a once-hot housing market have faded considerably,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Unsure buyers navigating an unpredictable landscape keeps demand declining while other potential buyers remain sidelined from an affordability standpoint. Yesterday’s interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve will certainly inject additional lead into the heels of the housing market.”

News Facts

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.95 percent with an average 0.8 point as of November 3, 2022, down from last week when it averaged 7.08 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.09 percent.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.29 percent with an average 1.2 point, down from last week when it averaged 6.36 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 2.35 percent.
• 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 5.95 percent with an average 0.2 point, down from last week when it averaged 5.96 percent. A year ago at this time, the 5-year ARM averaged 2.54 percent.
  

The PMMS^® is focused on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home purchase loans for borrowers who put 20 percent down and have excellent credit. Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining the mortgage. Visit the following link for the Definitions. Borrowers may still pay closing costs which are not included in the survey.

NOTE: Freddie Mac is making a number of enhancements to the PMMS to improve the collection, quality and diversity of data used. Instead of surveying lenders, the weekly results will be based on applications received from thousands of lenders across the country that are submitted to Freddie Mac when a borrower applies for a mortgage. Additionally, we will no longer publish fees/points or adjustable rates. The newly recast PMMS will be put in place on November 17, 2022, and the weekly distribution will be Thursdays at 12 p.m. ET.

Freddie Mac makes home possible for millions of families and individuals by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Since our creation by Congress in 1970, we’ve made housing more accessible and affordable for homebuyers and renters in communities nationwide. We are building a better housing finance system for homebuyers, renters, lenders, investors and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com, Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Mac’s blog FreddieMac.com/blog.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Angela Waugaman
703-714-0644
Angela_Waugaman@FreddieMac.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1a3ebfc-7f5c-4e94-af79-f6f3f3ffede3

FAQ

What is the current average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage from FMCC?

As of November 3, 2022, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.95%.

How did the 30-year mortgage rate change compared to last week?

The 30-year mortgage rate decreased from 7.08% last week to 6.95% this week.

What changes are being made to the PMMS by FMCC?

Starting November 17, 2022, the PMMS will use applications from lenders instead of surveys for improved data collection.

What are the implications of recent interest rate hikes on FMCC's mortgage rates?

Recent interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve are likely to decrease demand in the housing market.