U.S. Mortgage Rates Remain Flat in Mid-May

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According to Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey for Mid-May, the average fixed mortgage rate moved just slightly lower following three consecutive weeks of increases.

Len Kiefer, deputy chief economist, Freddie Mac says, "Mortgage rates were little changed this week amid positive housing news. Housing starts surged 20.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted pace of 1.14 million units in April, the highest level since 2007. As home buying season moves into full swing, home builders remain positive about home sales in the near future. Although the NAHB housing market index slipped 2 points to 54 in May it is still above 50, indicating that on balance builders remain optimistic about housing markets."
 
Freddie Mac News Facts

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.84 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending May 21, 2015, down from last week when it averaged 3.85 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.14 percent.

• 15-year FRM this week averaged 3.05 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.07 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.25 percent.

• 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.88 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.89 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 2.96 percent.

• 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.51 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.48 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 2.43 percent.