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Average long-term US mortgage rate eases slightly, the third consecutive weekly decline

Average Long-Term US Mortgage Rate Eases Slightly in Third Consecutive Weekly Decline

In a welcome development for prospective homebuyers grappling with high borrowing costs, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage in the United States has dipped slightly for the third straight week. According to the latest weekly survey from mortgage buyer Freddie Mac, the benchmark 30-year home loan rate eased to 6.86% from 6.87% the previous week. This modest decline, while not dramatic, signals a potential cooling in the mortgage market amid broader economic shifts, offering a glimmer of relief to a housing sector that has been under pressure from elevated interest rates for much of the past two years.

This third consecutive drop comes as inflation pressures appear to be moderating, and investors anticipate possible interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve later this year. Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, noted in the report that "mortgage rates have been volatile in recent weeks, but this slight easing could provide some breathing room for buyers who have been sidelined by affordability challenges." Khater emphasized that while rates remain significantly higher than the historic lows seen during the pandemic, the current trajectory might encourage more activity in the housing market as summer progresses.

To put this in perspective, just a year ago, the average 30-year mortgage rate stood at 6.67%, which was already considered elevated compared to the sub-3% rates that fueled a housing boom in 2020 and 2021. The recent declines follow a peak earlier this spring when rates approached 7.2%, driven by persistent inflation data and the Federal Reserve's aggressive stance on monetary policy. The Fed has held its key short-term rate steady at a two-decade high since last summer, aiming to combat inflation without tipping the economy into recession. However, recent economic indicators, including a slowdown in job growth and consumer spending, have led markets to bet on at least one rate cut by the end of the year, which could further influence mortgage rates.

Mortgage rates, while not directly tied to the Fed's benchmark rate, tend to track the yield on 10-year Treasury bonds, which serve as a barometer for investor expectations about future economic conditions. The 10-year Treasury yield has fluctuated recently, dipping below 4.3% this week amid mixed signals from the labor market and inflation reports. This has contributed to the softening in mortgage rates, providing a counterbalance to the affordability crisis that has plagued the U.S. housing market.

The impact of these rate changes extends beyond just monthly payments for homebuyers. For a typical $300,000 mortgage, the difference between a 7% rate and the current 6.86% translates to savings of about $30 per month, or roughly $10,800 over the life of the loan. While that might seem incremental, it accumulates significantly for families stretching their budgets in an era of high home prices and lingering inflationary pressures on everyday goods. Real estate experts suggest that even small rate reductions can boost buyer confidence, potentially leading to increased home sales and listings as sellers who were previously locked into low-rate mortgages feel more inclined to move.

In addition to the 30-year fixed rate, Freddie Mac's survey highlighted trends in other popular loan products. The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage, often favored by refinancers seeking to pay off their homes faster, fell to 6.16% from 6.17% last week. A year ago, this rate was 5.90%. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) also saw a slight decline, with the five-year ARM averaging 6.37%, down from 6.41%. These shorter-term options can offer lower initial rates but come with the risk of future adjustments, making them less appealing in an uncertain rate environment.

The broader housing market context is crucial to understanding the significance of these rate movements. Home sales have slumped to their lowest levels in decades, with existing home sales dropping by more than 20% compared to pre-pandemic norms. Inventory remains tight, as many homeowners are reluctant to sell and give up their ultra-low mortgage rates secured during the height of the COVID-19 era—a phenomenon known as the "rate lock-in" effect. This has kept home prices elevated, with the median existing-home price hitting a record $419,300 in May, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Economists and industry analysts are cautiously optimistic about the recent rate declines. Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS, commented that "three weeks of falling rates could be the start of a more sustained downward trend, especially if the Fed signals easing in its upcoming meetings." She pointed out that affordability remains the biggest hurdle, with first-time buyers particularly hard-hit. Many are turning to government-backed loans or down payment assistance programs to bridge the gap.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of mortgage rates will largely depend on incoming economic data. The next major release is the June jobs report, which could influence Fed policy. If unemployment ticks up or wage growth slows, it might reinforce expectations for rate cuts, pushing mortgage rates lower. Conversely, stubborn inflation could keep rates elevated, prolonging the housing market's sluggish recovery.

For potential buyers, timing the market remains tricky. Financial advisors recommend focusing on personal finances rather than trying to predict rate bottoms. Locking in a rate now, with the option to refinance later if rates fall further, is a strategy gaining traction. Refinancing activity has picked up slightly with the recent dips, though it's still far below peak levels.

This easing in mortgage rates also has ripple effects on the economy at large. Housing is a key driver of consumer spending, construction jobs, and related industries like home improvement and appliances. A revitalized market could bolster economic growth, which has shown resilience despite high rates. However, challenges persist, including regional disparities—markets in the Sun Belt continue to see price appreciation, while some Midwest and Northeast areas experience slower growth.

In Cleveland, for instance, local real estate agents report that while national trends influence the area, the region's more affordable housing stock has buffered some of the rate impacts. Average home prices in the Cleveland metro area hover around $250,000, making even a 6.86% rate more manageable than in high-cost coastal cities. Still, buyers here echo national sentiments, hoping for further declines to make homeownership more accessible.

As the summer buying season heats up, all eyes are on whether this three-week streak of declines will extend into a longer trend. Freddie Mac's next report, due in a week, will provide the next data point. In the meantime, industry watchers advise patience and preparation—getting pre-approved, improving credit scores, and saving for down payments remain essential steps for navigating this evolving landscape.

Overall, while the slight easing in mortgage rates is a positive sign, it's part of a larger narrative of economic uncertainty. The Federal Reserve's balancing act between taming inflation and supporting growth will continue to shape the housing market's path. For millions of Americans dreaming of homeownership, these incremental changes could make the difference between waiting on the sidelines or finally securing a place to call home. As Khater aptly put it, "The housing market is showing signs of thawing, but it's a gradual process." With rates still historically high, the journey toward affordability is far from over, but this third consecutive decline offers a hopeful step forward.

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Read the Full Cleveland.com Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/06/average-long-term-us-mortgage-rate-eases-slightly-the-third-consecutive-weekly-decline.html ]