For the Fourth Straight Week, Mortgage Rates Rise

Mortgage rates have slowly been inching up over the past month, but they remain below their levels a year ago.

“Despite the recent rise in mortgage rates, both existing- and new-home sales continue to show strength—indicating the lagged effect of lower rates on housing demand,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “This, along with improved affordability, should push housing activity higher in the coming months.”

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending April 25:

30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.20 percent, with an average 0.5 point, rising from last week’s 4.17 percent average. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 4.58 percent.

15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.64 percent, with an average 0.5 point, rising from last week’s 3.62 percent average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 4.02 percent.

5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 3.77 percent, with an average 0.4 point, falling from last week’s 3.78 percent average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.74 percent.