The average 30-year fixed rate during the week ending Aug. 19 once again dropped to another low as it has continued to fall at a pace that could theoretically benefit even borrowers who got loans relatively recently.
While rate moves have generally not been dramatic from week-to-week, collectively they mean borrowers who took out mortgages just a couple of months ago could save $150 to $200 per month were they to refinance again, Freddie Mac deputy chief economist Amy Crews Cutts told National Mortgage News.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests ongoing industry hurdles in the wake of the downturn combined with some borrower numbness to repeated record-low rates could continue to prevent a significant number of homeowners that might otherwise benefit from this from doing so, she said.
During the week ending Aug. 19, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 4.42% from 4.44% the previous week and 5.12% a year ago, according to Freddie Mac.
The average 15-year FRM rate during the week ending Aug. 19 also was at a record low at 3.90%. This was down from 3.92% the previous week and from 4.56% a year ago.
The average rate for a five-year Treasury-indexed adjustable-rate mortgage during the week ending Aug. 19 remained at its record low of 3.56% for the second consecutive week, down from 4.57% a year ago.
At 3.53%, the average rate for a one-year Treasury ARM during the week ending Aug. 19 also remained unchanged from last week. A year ago, this rate was 4.69%.
Average points were 0.7 for 30-year FRMs and one-year Treasury ARMs, and 0.6 for 15-year FRMs and five-year Treasury hybrids.
