Mortgage rates hit lows not seen in three years

0-year mortgage rates hit 3-year low

April 14, 2016

Updated 11:30 a.m.

REGISTER GRAPHIC

What’s up with mortgage rates? Jeff Lazerson of Mortgage Grader in Laguna Niguel gives us his take.
RATE NEWS SUMMARY
From Freddie Mac’s weekly survey: The 30-year fixed rate improved again, averaging 3.58 percent. Even though that’s just 1 basis point lower than last week’s 3.59 percent, it was the lowest rate since May 2013.
By comparison, the all-time low in Freddie Mac’s records was 3.31 percent reported in November 2012.
The 15-year fixed likewise improved, dropping 2 basis points from last week’s average to 2.86 percent.
BOTTOM LINE: Assuming a borrower gets the average 30-year conforming fixed rate on a $417,000 loan, last year’s rate of 3.67 percent and payment of $1,912 was $21 more than this week’s payment of $1,891.
The Mortgage Bankers Association reports a 10 percent jump in loan application volume from the previous week.
WHAT I SEE: From rate sheets hitting my desk that are not part of Freddie Mac’s survey: Locally, well qualified borrowers can get the following fixed rate mortgages for zero cost: A conventional 10-year loan at 2.875 percent, a 15-year at 3.0 percent, a 20-year at 3.50 percent, a 30-year at 3.625 percent, a high balance ($417,001 to $625,500) conventional 15-year at 3.25 percent, and a high-balance 30-year at 3.875 percent.