Mortgage Rates Continue to Rise

Mortgage rates ended 2024 hovering back to within the vicinity of the 7% level, according to the Primary Mortgage Market Survey published by Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC).

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.85% as of Dec. 26, up from last week when it averaged 6.72%. A year ago at this time, it averaged 6.61%.

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.0%, up from last week when it averaged 5.92%. A year ago at this time, it averaged 5.93%.

“Mortgage rates increased for the second straight week, rebounding after a decline from earlier this month,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “While a slight improvement in new and existing home sales is encouraging, the market remains plagued by an overwhelming undersupply of homes. A strong economy can help build momentum heading into the new year and potentially boost purchase activity.”