Rate on 30-year mortgage hits record 3.31%
ASSOCIATED PRESS November 21, 2012 9:22AM
Updated: December 24, 2012 7:02AM
WASHINGTON — Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell to record lows this week, a trend that is boosting home sales and aiding the housing recovery.
Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average rate on the 30-year loan dipped to 3.31 percent, the lowest on records dating back to 1971. That’s down from 3.34 percent last week, the previous record low.
The average on the 15-year fixed mortgage also dropped to 2.63 percent. That’s down from 2.65 percent last week and also a new record.
The average rate on the 30-year loan has been below 4 percent all year. It has fallen further since the Federal Reserve started buying mortgage bonds in September to encourage more borrowing and spending. AP
