Freddie Mac Reports Mortgage Rates Climb to 6.11%
FOX Business’ Jeff Flock joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ live from Austin, Texas, showcasing 3D-printed homes.
Mortgage rates have seen a slight uptick this week, according to Freddie Mac’s latest report released on Thursday. The average rate for the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.11%, a marginal increase from last week’s rate of 6.10%. This time last year, the average rate stood at 6.89%.
HOME DELISTINGS SURGE AS SELLERS STRUGGLE TO GET THEIR PRICE
The average rate on the 15-year mortgage rose to 5.5% this week. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, commented, “For the last several weeks, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has remained at its lowest level in years. The combination of improving affordability and availability of homes to purchase is a positive sign for buyers and sellers heading into the spring home sales season.”
The average rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage has also seen a rise, now at 5.5%, up from last week’s 5.49%.
THE MARKETS WHERE HOMEBUYERS MAY FINALLY GET SOME RELIEF IN 2026, REALTOR.COM SAYS
Realtor.com Senior Economist Anthony Smith noted that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has remained relatively stable, only slightly increasing after the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged. This decision coincided with President Donald Trump‘s nomination of former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chairman.
Smith elaborated, “The Freddie Mac 30-year fixed mortgage rate held steady this week at 6.11%, up just 1 basis point from the previous reading. While the Fed held rates steady at its January meeting, the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair has re-centered attention on the importance of policy credibility and investor expectations.”
HOMEBUILDERS REPORTEDLY DEVELOPING ‘TRUMP HOMES’ PROGRAM TO IMPROVE AFFORDABILITY
Smith emphasized that while mortgage rates are not directly set by the Fed, they do reflect long-term yields influenced by economic signals, market sentiment, and perceived risks. “If investors grow uncertain about the Fed’s intentions or begin to question its independence, long-term yields can rise even during a rate-cutting cycle,” he explained. This situation highlights the risks of intertwining political objectives with monetary policy.
The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.11% this week. (Ty Wright/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Smith concluded by stating that home affordability is bolstered by low inflation, a stable labor market, and wage growth, which collectively enhance household purchasing power. “Whether buying a first home, relocating, or moving up, American families need both stable prices and steady income growth. A Fed that is seen as credibly delivering on its dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment is the most durable path to better housing affordability over time,” he added.
FOX Business’ Jeff Flock joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ live from Austin, Texas, showcasing 3D-printed homes.
Mortgage rates have seen a slight uptick this week, according to Freddie Mac’s latest report released on Thursday. The average rate for the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.11%, a marginal increase from last week’s rate of 6.10%. This time last year, the average rate stood at 6.89%.
HOME DELISTINGS SURGE AS SELLERS STRUGGLE TO GET THEIR PRICE
The average rate on the 15-year mortgage rose to 5.5% this week. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, commented, “For the last several weeks, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has remained at its lowest level in years. The combination of improving affordability and availability of homes to purchase is a positive sign for buyers and sellers heading into the spring home sales season.”
The average rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage has also seen a rise, now at 5.5%, up from last week’s 5.49%.
THE MARKETS WHERE HOMEBUYERS MAY FINALLY GET SOME RELIEF IN 2026, REALTOR.COM SAYS
Realtor.com Senior Economist Anthony Smith noted that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has remained relatively stable, only slightly increasing after the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged. This decision coincided with President Donald Trump‘s nomination of former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chairman.
Smith elaborated, “The Freddie Mac 30-year fixed mortgage rate held steady this week at 6.11%, up just 1 basis point from the previous reading. While the Fed held rates steady at its January meeting, the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair has re-centered attention on the importance of policy credibility and investor expectations.”
HOMEBUILDERS REPORTEDLY DEVELOPING ‘TRUMP HOMES’ PROGRAM TO IMPROVE AFFORDABILITY
Smith emphasized that while mortgage rates are not directly set by the Fed, they do reflect long-term yields influenced by economic signals, market sentiment, and perceived risks. “If investors grow uncertain about the Fed’s intentions or begin to question its independence, long-term yields can rise even during a rate-cutting cycle,” he explained. This situation highlights the risks of intertwining political objectives with monetary policy.
The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.11% this week. (Ty Wright/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Smith concluded by stating that home affordability is bolstered by low inflation, a stable labor market, and wage growth, which collectively enhance household purchasing power. “Whether buying a first home, relocating, or moving up, American families need both stable prices and steady income growth. A Fed that is seen as credibly delivering on its dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment is the most durable path to better housing affordability over time,” he added.
