Mortgage Rates Inch Backward MCLEAN, Va., June 0

MCLEAN, Va., June 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB:FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey ^® (PMMS ^® ), showing that mortgage rates dipped for the second consecutive week.

Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, says the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined two basis points to 4.54 percent. “Homebuyers have taken advantage of the recent moderation in rates, which led to a 4 percent increase in purchase applications last week,” he said. “Although demand has remained steadfast against the backdrop of this year’s higher borrowing costs, it’s important to note that the growth rate of purchase loan balances has moderated so far this year – and particularly since March. This slowdown indicates that buyers are having difficulty stretching to keep up with the pace of home-price growth.”

Added Khater, “While the very healthy job market continues to fuel interest in buying a home, the supply shortages in most markets are pushing prices higher and currently keeping sales at a standstill. Listings for new and existing homes need to increase in the months ahead to moderate price growth and reignite sales activity.”

News Facts

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.54 percent with an average 0.5 point for the week ending June 7, 2018, down from last week when it averaged 4.56 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.89 percent. 
• 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.01 percent with an average 0.4 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.06 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.16 percent. 
• 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.74 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.80 percent. A year ago at this time, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.11 percent.

Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining the mortgage. Visit the following link for the Definitions . Borrowers may still pay closing costs which are not included in the survey.

Freddie Mac makes home possible for millions of families and individuals by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Since our creation by Congress in 1970, we’ve made housing more accessible and affordable for homebuyers and renters in communities nationwide. We are building a better housing finance system for homebuyers, renters, lenders and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com , Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Mac’s blog FreddieMac.com/blog .

MEDIA CONTACT: Adam DeSanctis
703-903-2786
Adam_DeSanctis@freddiemac.com

An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...cefee4c9a0