MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey^® (PMMS^®), showing that mortgage rates have risen to their highest level in seven years.

U.S. weekly average mortgage rates as of October 11, 2018.

Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, says, “In this week’s survey, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage jumped 19 basis points to 4.90 percent. Rates are now at their highest level since the week of April 14, 2011.”

Added Khater, “Rising rates paired with high and escalating home prices is putting downward pressure on purchase demand. While the monthly payment remains affordable due to the still low mortgage rate environment, the primary hurdle for many borrowers today is the down payment and that is the reason home sales have decreased in many high-priced markets.”

News Facts

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.90 percent with an average 0.5 point for the week ending October 11, 2018, up from last week when it averaged 4.71 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.91 percent. 
• 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.29 percent with an average 0.5 point, up from last week when it averaged 4.15 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.21 percent. 
• 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 4.07 percent with an average 0.3 point, up from last week when it averaged 4.01 percent. A year ago at this time, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.16 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, investors and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com, Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Mac’s blog FreddieMac.com/blog.

MEDIA CONTACT: Chad Wandler
703-903-2446
Chad_Wandler@FreddieMac.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2e28198-0853-4aec-aa24-50dbf517871c

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.