Uptick in Home Refinancing Driven by Lower U.S. Mortgage Rates

Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey is reporting this week that the average fixed mortgage rate in the U.S. is moving slightly lower for the week helping to spur ongoing refinance activity.

Sean Becketti, chief economist of Freddie Mac, "The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 2 basis points to 3.44 percent this week. As mortgage rates continue to range between 3.41 and 3.48 percent, many are taking advantage of the historically low rates by refinancing. Since the Brexit vote, the refinance share of mortgage activity has remained above 60 percent."

Freddie Mac News Facts:

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.44 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending September 8, 2016, down from last week when it averaged 3.46 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.90 percent. 
• 15-year FRM this week averaged 2.76 percent with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.77 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.10 percent. 
• 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.81 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.83 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 2.91 percent. 

WPJ Staff - World Property Journal