Mortgage Rates Drop Below Five Percent

Rhea-AI Summary

Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is at 4.99%, down from 5.30% the previous week. This figure contrasts sharply with 2.77% a year ago. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.26%, also decreasing from 4.58%, while last year it was 2.10%. The 5-year ARM averaged 4.25%, down from 4.29%, compared to 2.40% last year. Freddie Mac's Chief Economist, Sam Khater, noted ongoing volatility in mortgage rates due to inflation and economic growth uncertainties.

Positive

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased to 4.99%, improving affordability.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 4.26%, making shorter-term loans more attractive.
• 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage fell to 4.25%, maintaining competitive rates.

Negative

• Current rates significantly higher than a year ago, impacting overall mortgage affordability.

MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey^® (PMMS^®), showing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.99 percent.

“Mortgage rates remained volatile due to the tug of war between inflationary pressures and a clear slowdown in economic growth,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “The high uncertainty surrounding inflation and other factors will likely cause rates to remain variable, especially as the Federal Reserve attempts to navigate the current economic environment.”

News Facts

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.99 percent with an average 0.8 point as of August 4, 2022, down from last week when it averaged 5.30 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 2.77 percent.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.26 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.58 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 2.10 percent.
• 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 4.25 percent with an average 0.3 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.29 percent. A year ago at this time, the 5-year ARM averaged 2.40 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.

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/0f94c461-bd85-439b-9b47-39f220892ce6

FAQ

What is the current mortgage rate reported by Freddie Mac for August 2022?

The current average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 4.99%.

How much did the 30-year fixed mortgage rate change from the previous week?

It decreased from 5.30% to 4.99%.

What was the 30-year fixed mortgage rate a year ago?

A year ago, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 2.77%.

What is the average rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage according to Freddie Mac?

The average rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage is 4.26%.

How have mortgage rates behaved recently according to Freddie Mac?

Mortgage rates have remained volatile due to inflation and slow economic growth.