Mortgage rates were fairly static today, with little to no change nearly across the board. The biggest change, again, was in the 15-year fixed refinance rate, which jumped 4 basis points (a basis point equals 1/100 of a percent) to 3.14%. Today's increase in the shorter-term fixed refinance rate follows yesterday's 0.15% drop, continuing the relatively wild swings with each passing day.
But taken as a whole, little to no news on the mortgage front was good news for home shoppers.
Here are today's average mortgage rates across the U.S., along with where they stood a month ago.
|
Mortgage Type |
Mortgage Rates Today |
Mortgage Rates 1 Month Ago |
|---|---|---|
|
30-year fixed jumbo |
4.63% |
4.38% |
|
30-year fixed |
3.93% |
3.87% |
|
15-year fixed |
3.12% |
3.05% |
|
30-year fixed refinance |
3.92% |
3.87% |
|
15-year fixed refinance |
3.14% |
3.06% |
|
5/1 ARM |
3.19% |
3.16% |
|
5/1 ARM refinance |
3.28% |
3.29% |
Data source: Bloomberg. National average rates, which may include points.
Today's mortgage rates remain extremely attractive, in keeping with the low interest rates homebuyers have enjoyed for several years now. For some perspective, here are the average mortgage rates from back in May 2012.
|
Mortgage Type |
Mortgage Rates, May 2012 |
|---|---|
|
30-year fixed |
3.80% |
|
15-year fixed |
3.03% |
|
1-year ARM |
2.74% |
|
5/1 ARM |
2.83% |
Data source: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Rates do not include points.
For homeowners considering a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or equity loan, the strong housing market continues to work in borrowers' favor. HELOC rates did inch up 2 basis points to 5.29%, though equity loan rates held steady at 5.29%. Last month, HELOCs were at 5.26% and equity loans at 5.30%.
