
The latest news from Freddie Mac is that 30-year mortgage rates have reached their lowest point in 15 months. This is great news for homebuyers and refinancers who are looking to save money on their mortgage payments.
According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.73% for the week ending July 21. This is a significant drop from the previous week's average of 3.84%.
For another approach, see: Mortgage Interest Rates News
U.S. Mortgage Rates
The U.S. mortgage rates have been on a downward trend, and it's a great time to be a homebuyer or seller. The average rate on 30-year mortgages dropped to 6.47 percent this week, the lowest level in 15 months.
This decline is a relief for prospective homebuyers and sellers who have felt locked into lower rates on their existing loans and have kept their houses off the market. The key mortgage rate had its biggest one-week decline of the year, falling from 6.73 percent a week earlier.
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The lower mortgage rate could encourage some homeowners to get into the market, but it's still a small step towards lowering borrowing costs. Nearly 60 percent of mortgage holders had rates of 4 percent or less as of March, and we still have a ways to go.
A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.47 percent might seem high, but it's still a lower rate than what people were paying just a few months ago. Mortgage rates stood at around 7 percent in April, and they began climbing when the Federal Reserve started raising its benchmark rate to combat inflation.
The lower mortgage rate could also allow existing homeowners to refinance, which is a great option for those who are stuck with high rates on their existing loans. The share of market mortgage applications that reflect refinancing was the highest in more than two years, according to Freddie Mac.
Expand your knowledge: American Home Mortgage Rates
Homebuyer Insights
Mortgage rates have finally started to fall, bringing some much-needed relief to beleaguered homebuyers. The average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rate dropped to 6.47% as of Aug. 8, a significant decline from the prior week.
This rate drop is a result of a steep one-week decline in mortgage rates following a worrisome employment report and market turbulence. It's a welcome change for homebuyers who have been struggling to afford their dream homes.
The Freddie Mac data showed that 42% of mortgage applicants used the lower rates to refinance, the highest level since 2022. This is a clear indication that homebuyers are taking advantage of the lower rates to save on their mortgage payments.
Mortgage rates are influenced by the 10-year Treasury yield, which tumbled on Monday to its lowest level in more than a year but has since rebounded. As a result, 30-year rates inched up in recent days to 6.49%.
Here are some key takeaways from the Freddie Mac data:
- Average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rate: 6.47%
- 15-year mortgage rate: 5.63%
- 42% of mortgage applicants used lower rates to refinance
It's essential to keep in mind that this rate drop may not last long, and mortgage rates can fluctuate quickly. Homebuyers should stay informed and be prepared to act quickly if rates drop again.
National Mortgage Rates

The national mortgage rates have been making headlines lately, and for good reason. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has dropped to its lowest level in 15 months, with an average rate of 6.47%. This is a significant drop from just a week ago, when the rate was 6.73%.
The decline in mortgage rates is a welcome relief for prospective home buyers and sellers in a challenging real estate market. As Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, noted, "The decline in mortgage rates does increase prospective home buyers' purchasing power and should begin to pique their interest in making a move."
The average rate on 30-year mortgages has been steadily easing since April, when it rose above 7 percent. This is a big change from the levels seen in late 2021, when mortgage rates were around 3 percent.
The current mortgage rates are a result of a combination of factors, including the Federal Reserve's benchmark rate and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield. While the Fed's benchmark rate and mortgage rates aren't directly connected, a Fed rate cut could indirectly put even more downward pressure on mortgages.
Additional reading: What Is the Current Interest Rate for Commercial Mortgages

Here are the current national mortgage rates:
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgage: 6.47%
- 15-year fixed-rate mortgage: (no specific rate mentioned in the article)
- 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage: (no specific rate mentioned in the article)
These rates are subject to change, and it's essential to stay informed about the current market conditions. As Julia Fonseca, an assistant professor of finance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, noted, "It's a step — but it's a small step." We're moving in the right direction, but we still have a ways to go.
30-Year Fixed Rates
The latest news from Freddie Mac is that 30-year fixed mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest level in 15 months, with the average rate now at 6.47%. This is a big deal, especially for prospective home buyers and sellers.
The key mortgage rate has had its biggest one-week decline of the year, which is a relief for many people. The rate has been steadily easing since April, when it rose above 7 percent.
According to Freddie Mac's chief economist, Sam Khater, the decline in mortgage rates does increase prospective home buyers' purchasing power and should begin to pique their interest in making a move. This is a positive sign for the real estate market.

Here are some historical average annual mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages, based on Freddie Mac's weekly data:
The decline in mortgage rates could encourage some homeowners to get into the market, but as of March, nearly 60 percent of mortgage holders had rates of 4 percent or less, which is still far from the current cost of borrowing.
Curious to learn more? Check out: 3 Percent Mortgage Rates
Rate Trends
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dropped to 6.47%, its lowest level in 15 months, giving prospective home buyers a glimmer of hope in a challenging real estate market.
This decline is the biggest one-week drop of the year, and it's a welcome relief for buyers and sellers alike. Mortgage rates have been steadily easing since April, when they rose above 7 percent.
The average rate on 30-year mortgages has been steadily decreasing, and it's now at its lowest level in more than a year. This is a significant drop from the levels seen in late 2021, when rates were around 3 percent.
Here's an interesting read: Mortgage Rates under 5 Percent

Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, notes that the decline in mortgage rates increases prospective home buyers' purchasing power and should encourage them to make a move.
The share of market mortgage applications that reflect refinancing has also increased, with Freddie Mac reporting that it's the highest in more than two years.
A Fed rate cut could indirectly put even more downward pressure on mortgages, which could further boost the housing market.
Explore further: Us Housing Market Mortgage Rates Surge
Sources
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/business/economy/mortgage-rates.html
- https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage-rates-lowest-in-a-year-freddie-mac-says-8692675
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mortgage-interest-rates-hit-a-15-month-low-how-to-get-an-even-lower-rate-now/
- https://smartasset.com/mortgage/30-yr-fixed-mortgage-rates
- https://theneighborhoodconnection.com/mortgage-rates-continue-to-drop-with-new-record-lows/
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