Average US mortgage rates climb; 30-year at 4.6 percent
Long-term US mortgage rates this week jumped to their highest level since the start of August, raising costs for would-be home buyers.
WASHINGTON — Long-term US mortgage rates this week jumped to their highest level since the start of August, raising costs for would-be home buyers.
Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages climbed to 4.6 percent from 4.54 percent last week. The average rate has surged from 3.78 percent a year ago, posting the largest annual gain since May 2014.
The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate loans rose to 4.06 percent this week from 3.99 percent last week.
Solid job growth has boosted demand from would-be home buyers. But rising prices, a shortage of sales listings, and higher rates have been a drag on sales. The National Association of Realtors said last month that existing home sales have tumbled 1.5 percent over the past year.
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