Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) reported a downward trend in the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.28% as of April 6, down from last week when it averaged 6.32%. A year ago at this time, the rate averaged 4.72%.
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.64% percent, up from last week when it averaged 5.56%. A year ago at this time, the rate averaged 3.91%.
“Mortgage rates continue to trend down entering the traditional spring homebuying season,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Unfortunately, those in the market to buy are facing a number of challenges, not the least of which is the low inventory of homes for sale, especially for aspiring first-time homebuyers.”
Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, responded to the rate news by observing this market “the fourth consecutive week of decline” while noting when compared to the “recent 7% average rate peak, the latest rate saves $140 per month for a homebuyer on a $300,000 loan.”
Yun also highlighted how the recent tumult in the banking industry has not impacted mortgage activity.
“The fallout from the regional bank collapses has led to tightening lending conditions, though not on residential mortgages,” he said. “Though week-to-week rate changes can move up and down, the longer-term prospect on rates is for further improvement, with a clear possibility of going under 6% by the year’s end. This is because, with so much apartment construction, the new empty units steadily hitting the market will limit rent growth and calm overall consumer price inflation.”
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