Mortgage Rates Move Up to Highest Level in Seven Years

MCLEAN, Va., May 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB:FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey^® (PMMS^®), showing that after plateauing in recent weeks, mortgage rates reversed course and reached a new high last seen eight years ago.

U.S. average weekly mortgage rates as of May 17, 2018

Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, says the 30-year fixed mortgage rate edged up to 4.61 percent, which matches the highest level since May 19, 2011. “Healthy consumer spending and higher commodity prices spooked the bond markets and led to higher mortgage rates over the past week,” he said. “Not only are buyers facing higher borrowing costs, gas prices are currently at four-year highs just as we enter the important peak home sales season.”  

Added Khater, “While this year’s higher mortgage rates have not caused much of a ripple in the strong demand levels for buying a home seen in most markets, inflationary pressures and the prospect of rates approaching 5 percent could begin to hit the psyche of some prospective buyers.”  

News Facts

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.61 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending May 17, 2018, up from last week when it averaged 4.55 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.02 percent. 
• 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.08 percent with an average 0.4 point, up from last week when it averaged 4.01 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.27 percent. 
• 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.82 percent this week with an average 0.3 point, up from last week when it averaged 3.77 percent. A year ago at this time, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.13 percent.

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 and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com, Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Mac’s blog FreddieMac.com/blog.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Adam DeSanctis
703-903-2786
Adam_DeSanctis@freddiemac.com

An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35cac9c0-900f-4fda-a8d3-cbc5c1946e5e