Daily Real Estate News | December 12, 2008
30-Year Rates at Lowest in 4 Years
Freddie Mac reports a decline in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to 5.47 percent during the week ended Dec. 11 from 5.53 percent last week and 6.11 percent a year ago.
Some lenders are locking in even lower rates as they build on momentum started when the Federal Reserve announced plans last month to purchase a substantial number of mortgage-backed securities. HSH Associates and Inside Mortgage Finance are reporting interest on 30-year fixed loans at 5.33 percent and 5.09 percent, respectively.
Freddie Mac chief economist Frank Nothaft says mortgage rates also were driven downward by the recession and rising unemployment.
Source: The Washington Post, Dina ElBoghdady (12/12/08)
