Freddie Mac: Mortgage Rates Move Up in February 18th Report

Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey^® (“PMMS”^®), showing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (“FRM”) averaged 2.81 percent.

“Reaching its highest point since mid-November, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.81 percent this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Economic spending has improved, due to the most recent stimulus, but supply chain shortages are causing downstream inflation, leading to higher mortgage rates. While there are multiple temporary factors driving up rates, the underlying economic fundamentals point to rates remaining in the low 3 percent range for the year.”

News Facts

– 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.81 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending February 18, 2021, up from last week when it averaged 2.73 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.49 percent.

– 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.21 percent with an average 0.7 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.19 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 2.99 percent.

– 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (“ARM”) averaged 2.77 percent with an average 0.2 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.79 percent. A year ago at this time, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.25 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