Mortgage rates have increased for five consecutive weeks, sidelining potential buyers in the middle of the spring homebuying season.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit 6.46% this week, an eight-basis-point jump from
The 15-year FRM saw a slight uptick from 5.75% to 5.77% this week after a 21-basis-point spike last week. This compares with 5.82% from a year ago.
"With spring homebuying season in full swing, aspiring buyers should remember to shop around for the best mortgage rate, as they can potentially save thousands of dollars by getting multiple quotes," said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, in a press release Thursday.
The 30-year rate
President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday night in regards to the Iran war, saying it will end "shortly" as it enters its second month. While the lasting impacts of the war are unknown, Trump said the economy will rebound.
"Our economy is strong and improving by the day, and it will soon be roaring back like never before," he said. "It will top the levels that it was a month ago."
Historically
"Applications declined for both refinances and purchases as demand remains highly rate-sensitive despite increased inventory," said Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association. "Looking ahead, stability in the mortgage rate environment will be key to bringing buyers back into the market."
Mortgage applications fell 10.4% for the week ending March 27, according to the MBA weekly survey. Purchases dropped 3%, while refinances plummeted 17% week over week.