Freddie Mac

But the decline may be close to its floor, as wide spreads compared to 10-year Treasury yields hinder how far averages could fall.

Recent economic data pushed investors toward Treasurys over the past week, driving 10-year yields to as low as 4.1%.

The 30-year average declined for the fifth consecutive week, as purchase demand picking up at the same time, according to Freddie Mac.

With uncertain outlooks surrounding the economy and interests, investment managers looking for safer fixed-income investments are finding underpriced assets.

Lenders will be adjusting to new mandates regarding mortgage applicants that don't have payments for education debt on their credit reports.

Michael DeVito has been able to grow the government-sponsored enterprise's net worth, but at the current pace and without a rule change, it could take 10 years to build enough capital to exit conservatorship.

Now that the liquidations are nearly over, money managers will be able to turn their attention to the higher coupon mortgage bonds being produced today, effectively an increase in demand.

The government-sponsored enterprises have consistently earmarked some distressed loans for community, nonprofit and minority investors. Certain Democrats want more.

The average for a 30-year home loan marked the fourth straight week of increases, according to Freddie Mac.

Fee hikes at the government-sponsored enterprises are one remedy, the government-sponsored enterprise's regulator noted in its annual report to Congress.