According to Freddie Mac, the average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 4.63 % in the week ended today from 4.71%. That is the lowest since the week ended Dec. 9. The 15-year rate slipped to 3.82% from 3.89% a week ago, the Virginia based government finance company said. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly report measuring home loan refinancing activity jumped 9% last week which was the most significant rise in two months. According to MBA, the volume for home purchase loan applications rose 6.7%.
Foreclosure listing firm RealtyTrac Inc, said fewer homeowners had their homes repossessed by banks in April than a year ago. But that’s because it’s taking mortgage lenders longer than expected to repossess house that are already in the foreclosure process because of bottle-neck of paperwork.
Home sales continue to see stagnant levels that have many economists predicting a second housing bubble looming. Most homebuilders reported a drop in new orders in the first three months of the year, an indication of future activity. Concerns on jobs and tighter lending standards have hindered potential home buyers. And the high number of foreclosures is forcing home prices down, leaving some would-be buyers concerned that prices have yet to bottom out.Read the original article > Home Mortgage Rates Decrease to Lowest Level in 5 Months