Mortgage Rates Slow Their Upward Trajectory

Rhea-AI Summary

On October 20, 2022, Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) reported a slight increase in 30-year fixed mortgage rates, averaging 6.94%. This marks a rise from last week's 6.92% and significantly up from 3.09% a year ago. The report indicates declining housing market demand and diminished homebuilder confidence, which has dropped to 50% of its peak six months prior. The 15-year fixed mortgage also rose to 6.23%, while the 5-year ARM fell slightly to 5.71%. Upcoming changes to the PMMS will enhance data collection, effective November 2022.

Positive

• The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) decreased to 5.71%, providing some relief in adjustable rates.

Negative

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased to 6.94%, negatively impacting housing demand.
• Homebuilder confidence has dropped to 50% of its level from six months ago, indicating a significant downturn in market sentiment.

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 20, 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 6.94 percent.

“Mortgage rates slowed their upward trajectory this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage continues to remain just shy of seven percent and is adversely impacting the housing market in the form of declining demand. Additionally, homebuilder confidence has dropped to half what it was just six months ago and construction, particularly single-family residential construction, continues to slow down.”

News Facts

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.94 percent with an average 0.9 point as of October 20, 2022, up from last week when it averaged 6.92 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.09 percent.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.23 percent with an average 1.1 point, up from last week when it averaged 6.09 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 2.33 percent.
• 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 5.71 percent with an average 0.4 point, down from last week when it averaged 5.81 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 in November 2022, and the weekly distribution will be Thursdays at 12 p.m. noon 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/3a3b80c4-3938-44ff-99ac-de7f33851eff

FAQ

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

As of October 20, 2022, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.94%.

How has homebuilder confidence changed according to Freddie Mac's October 2022 report?

Homebuilder confidence has dropped to 50% of its level compared to six months ago.

What changes are being made to the Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) by Freddie Mac?

Freddie Mac will enhance the PMMS by basing results on applications from thousands of lenders, effective November 2022.

What impact do current mortgage rates have on the housing market according to Freddie Mac?

Current mortgage rates are adversely affecting the housing market by causing a decline in demand.