FILE- This Jan. 4, 2019, file photo shows a house for sale in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood. On Thursday, Jan. 24, Freddie Mac reports on this week’s average U.S. mortgage rates. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
January 24, 2019 - 8:21 AM
WASHINGTON - U.S. long-term mortgage rates held steady this week for the second straight week, sticking at their lowest levels in nine months after six weeks of decline.
Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage was unchanged from last week at 4.45 per cent. Rates remain above last year's levels, however. The key 30-year rate averaged 4.15 per cent a year ago.
The average rate this week for 15-year, fixed-rate loans held at 3.88 per cent.
The decline in home borrowing rates in recent months has been a spur to prospective homebuyers.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019