Though Janet Yellen and the rest of the Federal Open Market Committee are set to meet this week and are expected to "OK" an interest rate hike, mortgage rates remained relatively stable after inching up for most of last week. The most positive changes for prospective home buyers were for the shorter term 15 year fixed and refi loans, which both declined, albeit slightly, compared to a week ago.
Here are today's average mortgage rates across the U.S., along with where they stood last month .
|
Mortgage Rates (National Average) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Today |
1 month ago |
|
|
30 year fixed jumbo |
4.69% |
4.19% |
|
30 year fixed |
4.16% |
3.96% |
|
15 year fixed |
3.30% |
3.12% |
|
30 year fixed refi |
4.17% |
3.99% |
|
15 year fixed refi |
3.34% |
3.14% |
|
5/1 ARM |
3.36% |
3.08% |
|
5/1 ARM refi |
3.51% |
3.19% |
|
Data source: Bloomberg. Rates may include points. |
||
For some perspective, here are a few of the national average mortgage rates from 5 years ago.
|
Mortgage Rates (National Average) | |
|---|---|
|
March, 2012 |
|
|
30 year fixed |
3.95% |
|
15 year fixed |
3.20% |
|
5/1 ARM |
2.87% |
|
Data source: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). |
|
As the figures above indicate, U.S. mortgage shoppers have enjoyed relatively low rates for the past several years. How much longer lenders will continue to offer home buyers such attractive rates is the million-dollar question.
For current homeowners looking to tap into their equity via a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or equity loan, today offers another bit of good news. Rates are down again from a month ago, to 5.20% and 5.22% respectively, compared to February's 5.28% and 5.26%.
