Mortgage Rates Rise Again, But Remain Below Yearly Lows

For the third week in a row, mortgage rates inched upward, but economists were quick to reassure home buyers and potential refinancers that rates remain still remain well below year-ago averages.

“After dropping dramatically in late March, mortgage rates have modestly increased since then,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “While this week marks the third consecutive week of rises, purchase activity reached a nine-year high—indicative of a strong spring homebuying season.”

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending April 18:

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.17 percent, with an average 0.5 point, rising from last week’s 4.12 percent. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 4.47 percent.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.62 percent, with an average 0.5 point, rising from last week’s 3.60 percent average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 3.94 percent.
• 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 3.78 percent, with an average 0.3 point, falling from last week’s 3.80 percent average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.67 percent.