Real Estate Blog

Mortgage Rates Close in on Record Lows.

Home buyers unable to tap into a federal tax credit before it expired on April 30 are finding a consolation prize in mortgage rates, which dropped again this week to near-record lows.

According to Freddie Mac, interest on 30-year fixed loans averaged 4.78 percent compared to 4.84 percent last week, while the 15-year rate slipped to a new low of 4.21 percent from 4.24 percent.

Mortgage rates have fallen to the lowest level of the year as investors poured money into the safe haven of U.S. government securities.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage dipped to 4.78 percent this week from 4.84 percent a week earlier, mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday. It was the lowest level since early December, when rates fell to a record low of 4.71 percent.

The average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell this week to 4.21 percent – the lowest level in nearly two decades.

Concerns over the European debt crisis have sent yields for 10-year and 30-year Treasury bonds to their lowest levels of 2010. Rates on 30-year home loans often rise and fall in line with the 10-year note.

Analysts say the opportunity may not last. If Europe’s woes subside and the U.S. economic recovery stays on track, rates are likely to move higher. That’s because traders will move their money back into riskier investments.

“Strike now,” said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com. “If they move quickly against you, it just takes money right out of your pocket.”

Homeowners appear to be taking notice. Applications to refinance surged this week to the highest level since October 2009, the Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday.

The favorable borrowing costs will improve affordability and soften the impact of the tax credit program ending, says Freddie Mac chief economist Frank Nothaft.