NMLS: 2576 | CT LICENSE: 1101 | MA LICENSE: LS2576 | MI LICENSE: FR0023580 While rates increased in September, resulting in fewer housing purchases, the under 4.5-percent interest has still been a deal for borrowers. Nevertheless, two reports from Freddie Mac indicate amounts have increased for the past two consecutive weeks, resulting in gains approaching September 2013 levels.
According to the Associated Press, Freddie Mac reported on November 7 that the average rate for a 30-year, fixed mortgage increased to 4.16 percent, up from 4.10 percent the week before.
15-year fixed-rate mortgages experienced similar increases. Rates on these programs went from 3.20 to 3.27 percent over the same period.
Continuing to appeal to more and more borrowers, one-year adjustable rate mortgages dropped from 2.64 to 2.61 percent by November 7.
By November 14, however, rates for 15- and 30-year mortgages experienced another, larger jump. Specifically, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages increased from 4.16 percent to 4.35 percent. While these amounts are still low, analysts predict rates could end up returning to September’s levels fairly soon.
15-year mortgages similar went up to 3.35 percent, from 3.27 percent. However, one-year adjustable rate mortgages stayed the same, while five-year ARMs went up from 2.96 to 3.01 percent.
What many find puzzling is, these increases came at a time the economy began to improve. According to the Associated Press report, October 2013 saw 204,000 new jobs added.
While increases for fixed-rate conforming programs appear concerning, jumbo loans have continued their low streak. Pointed out by CNN on November 12, lenders have offered these non-conforming conventional programs at rates one quarter of a percentage point lower than for conforming mortgages.
Specifically, CNN points out, banks have offered these loans at rates as low as 3.875 percent. Banks’ goal, it appears, is locking in lower rates to reduce refinancing later and to keep wealthier clients interested in their other programs and services.