Mortgage Rates Top 7%, Highest Level In Over 20 Years

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.09% as of Aug. 17, according to new data from Freddie Mac’s (OTCQB: FMC) Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Last week, this mortgage averaged 6.96%, while one year ago it averaged 5.13%. The current level is the highest in more than 20 years.

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.46%, up from last week when it averaged 6.34%. A year ago at this time, it was 4.55%.

“The economy continues to do better than expected and the 10-year Treasury yield has moved up, causing mortgage rates to climb,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “The last time the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage exceeded 7% was last November. Demand has been impacted by affordability headwinds, but low inventory remains the root cause of stalling home sales.”