Bankrate: Mortgage Rates Show Little Movement

ortgage rates were little changed this week, with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate remaining at 3.82 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.25 discount and origination points.

To see mortgage rates in your area, go to http://www.bankrate.com/funnel/mortgages/.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage slipped to 3.04 percent while the larger jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage inched lower, returning to the record low of 3.92 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were mostly lower, with the 5-year ARM sliding to 3.06 percent and the 7-year ARM stepping back to 3.27 percent.         

A disappointingly weak monthly jobs report and more concern about economic weakness kept a lid on mortgage rates this week. The uncertain timetable for Federal Reserve interest rate hikes has mortgage rates in a holding pattern. However, mortgage rates are holding at some of the lowest levels, not just of 2015, but in nearly two years. With home sales still sluggish and any material growth in household income yet to materialize, the attractive mortgage rates are one inducement that could get buyers off the sidelines, particularly with the likelihood of higher rates later in the year.

One year ago, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 4.47 percent. At that time, a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,009.81. With the average rate now at 3.82 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $934.19, a savings of $75 per month for anyone refinancing now.  

SURVEY RESULTS

30-year fixed: 3.82% -- unchanged from last week (avg. points: 0.25)
15-year fixed: 3.04% -- down from 3.06% last week (avg. points: 0.19)
5/1 ARM: 3.06% -- down from 3.10% last week (avg. points: 0.19)

Bankrate's national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.

For a full analysis of this week's move in mortgage rates, go to http://www.bankrate.com/mortgagerates.

The survey is complemented by Bankrate's weekly Rate Trend Index, in which a panel of mortgage experts predicts which way the rates are headed over the next seven days. This week the majority of panelists, 70 percent, expect mortgage rates to remain more or less unchanged in the coming week. Twenty percent predict an increase in mortgage rates and just 10 percent forecast a decline in the coming week.

For the full mortgage Rate Trend Index, go to http://www.bankrate.com/news/rate-trends/mortgage.aspx.