30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Averages a Record-Breaking 3.49 Percent

July 26 - Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) has released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey, showing fixed mortgages rates continuing their streak of record-breaking lows. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 3.49 percent, more than a full percentage point lower than a year ago when it averaged 4.55 percent. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, a popular choice for those looking to refinance, also set another record low at 2.80 percent.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.49 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending July 26, 2012, down from last week when it averaged 3.53 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.55 percent. 

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 2.80 percent with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.83 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.66 percent. 

The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 2.74 percent this week with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.69 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.25 percent.

The 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.71 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.69 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 2.95 percent.  

"Market concerns over the strength of the economic recovery brought long-term Treasury yields to new lows this week allowing fixed mortgage rates to reach record levels," said Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist, Freddie Mac. "The Conference Board Leading Economic Index showed the largest monthly decline in June since September 2011. Existing home sales fell to 4.36 million homes (annualized) in June and represented the slowest pace since October 2011. Similarly, new home sales fell in June to their lowest level since January of this year."

Get the latest information from Freddie Mac's Office of the Chief Economist on Twitter: @FreddieMac