Posts with tag mortgage rates

WASHINGTON -- Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week, a trend that has helped the housing market start to recover this year. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says that the average rate on the 30-year loan dipped to 3.34 percent, the lowest on records dating back to 1971. That's down from 3.40... Continue Reading »

WASHINGTON -- U.S. sales of previously occupied homes fell in September after hitting a two-year high in August, in part because there were fewer homes available for sale. The National Association of Realtors said Friday that sales of existing homes in the U.S. dipped 1.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of... Continue Reading »

Applications for U.S. home mortgages surged last week as demand for refinancing rose to the highest level in more than three years, driven by a drop in interest rates to yet another record low, data from an industry group showed on Wednesday. The Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage... Continue Reading »

By Alex Veiga LOS ANGELES -- Confidence among U.S. homebuilders rose this month to its highest level in six years and many expect the housing recovery will strengthen in the next six months. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index released Tuesday increased to 40 in September. That's... Continue Reading »

By Les Christie NEW YORK -- Even though home prices are rebounding in some parts of the country, the overall housing market won't start turning the corner until next spring, according to the latest forecast based on the Fiserv Case-Shiller indices. The forecast, which tracks 384 markets, predicts that nationwide home... Continue Reading »

By Marcy Gordon WASHINGTON -- The average U.S. rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell this week to a record low for the seventh time in eight weeks. Cheap mortgages have helped drive a modest recovery in the weak housing market this year. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average on the 30-year loan... Continue Reading »

By Jeff Brown Although the 15-year mortgage is invariably cheaper than the 30-year variety, it often gets little respect because of its larger monthly payments. Not so today. The 15-year deal is, in fact, quite appealing, offering substantial savings through rock-bottom rates. Among the ideal candidates are homeowners... Continue Reading »

By Marcy Gordon WASHINGTON -- Average U.S. rates on 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages this week fell to fresh record lows for the sixth straight week. Cheap mortgages continue to help boost prospects for home sales this year. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average rate on the 30-year loan dropped to 3.67 percent.... Continue Reading »

WASHINGTON -- Average U.S. rates on 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages dropped to record lows again this week, with the 15-year loan dipping below 3 percent for the first time ever. Low rates have helped brighten the outlook for home sales this year. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average rate on the 30-year loan... Continue Reading »

WASHINGTON -- Average U.S. rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages fell to record lows for the third straight week. The steady decline has made homebuying and refinancing more affordable than ever for those who can qualify. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the rate on the 30-year loan dipped to 3.79 percent. That's... Continue Reading »

By Martin Crutsinger WASHINGTON -- Average U.S. rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week, offering more incentive for Americans to buy or refinance homes. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the rate on the 30-year loan fell to 3.84 percent, the lowest since long-term... Continue Reading »

WASHINGTON -- The average U.S. rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage was mostly unchanged this week, as the cost of home-buying and refinancing stayed near record lows. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the rate on the 30-year loan fell slightly to 3.98 percent from 3.99 percent last week. In February, the rate... Continue Reading »

WASHINGTON -- The average U.S. rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose above 4 percent for the first time in five months. The sharp increase suggests the window to buy or refinance a home at historically low rates is closing. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the rate on the 30-year loan jumped to 4.08 percent,... Continue Reading »

WASHINGTON -- The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage jumped after standing pat for three straight weeks at record lows. But the rate stayed below 4 percent for the 12th straight week, keeping homebuying and refinancing attractive for those who can qualify. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the rate on... Continue Reading »

WASHINGTON -- The average rate on the 30-year-fixed mortgage fell this week to a record low, the ninth time that has happened in the last year. But even with the cheapest rates in history, the housing market remains depressed. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the rate on the 30-year loan dropped to 3.87... Continue Reading »