August 29, 2017

FHFA: Index Shows Mortgage Rates Decreased in July 2017

Nationally, interest rates on conventional purchase-money mortgages decreased from June to July, according to several indices of new mortgage contracts.

The National Average Contract Mortgage Rate for the Purchase of Previously Occupied Homes by Combined Lenders Index was 3.99 percent for loans closed in late July, down 1 basis point from 4.00 percent in June.

The average interest rate on all mortgage loans was 3.98 percent, down 2 basis points from 4.00 in June.

The average interest rate on conventional, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages of $424,100 or less was 4.14 percent, down 1 basis point from 4.15 in June.

The effective interest rate on all mortgage loans was 4.08 percent in July, down 3 basis points from 4.11 in June.  The effective interest rate accounts for the addition of initial fees and charges over the life of the mortgage.

The average loan amount for all loans was $317,000 in July, down $1,900 from $318,900 in June.

FHFA will release August index values Thursday, September 28, 2017.

For more information, call David Roderer at (202) 649-3206. To hear recorded index information, call (202) 649-3993.  To find the complete contract rate series, go to https://www.fhfa.gov/DataTools/Downloads/Pages/Monthly-Interest-Rate-Data.aspx.

National Average Contract Mortgage Rate Previously Occupied Homes Graph - July 2016 to July 2017 Source:  FHFA

Technical note: The indices are based on a small monthly survey of mortgage lenders, which may not be representative.  The sample is not a statistical sample but is rather a convenience sample.  Survey respondents were asked to report terms and conditions of all conventional, single-family, fully amortized purchase-money loans closed during the last five working days of the month.  Unless otherwise specified, the indices include 15-year mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages.  The indices do not include mortgages guaranteed or insured by either the Federal Housing Administration or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  The indices also exclude refinancing loans and balloon loans.  July 2017 values are based on 6,042 reported loans from 17 lenders, which include savings associations, mortgage companies, commercial banks, and mutual savings banks.

This post was originally published here.