Freddie Mac: Mortgage Rates Inch Up in August 20th Report

Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey^® (“PMMS”^®), showing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (“FRM”) averaged 2.99 percent.

“Purchase housing demand continues to accelerate, ultimately providing support to an economy that otherwise has stagnated,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “The surge in sales led to a rapid increase in the demand for remodeling and home furnishings as consumers look to renovate while adjusting to home life during COVID.”

News Facts

– 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.99 percent with an average 0.8 point for the week ending August 20, 2020, up from last week when it averaged 2.96 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.55 percent.

– 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.54 percent with an average 0.7 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.46 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.03 percent.

– 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (“ARM”) averaged 2.91 percent with an average 0.3 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.90 percent.  A year ago at this time, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.32 percent.

The PMMS^® is focused on conventional, conforming, fully-amortizing home purchase loans for borrowers who put 20 percent down and have excellent credit. 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.

Contact:

Angela Waugaman – Media Contact – angela_waugaman@freddiemac.com – (703) 714-0644

Source: Freddie Mac