The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose for the fifth consecutive week to 4.72 percent – a high not seen since April 28, 2011 (4.78 percent).
The robust economy, rising Treasury yields and the anticipation of more short-term rate hikes caused mortgage rates to move up.
Even with these higher borrowing costs, it’s encouraging to see that prospective buyers appear to be having a little more success. With inventory constraints and home prices starting to ease, purchase applications have now trended higher on an annual basis for six straight weeks.
Consumer confidence is at an 18-year high, and job gains are holding steady. These two factors should keep demand up in coming months, but at the same time, home shoppers will likely deal with even higher mortgage rates.

Information provided by Freddie Mac.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased once again to its highest level since May.
Mortgage rates are drifting upward again and represent continued affordability challenges for prospective buyers – especially first-time buyers. Borrowing costs are moving right now for three main reasons: the very strong economy, higher U.S. government debt issuances and global trade tensions.

Information provided by Freddie Mac.

The one-two punch of strong job and consumer credit growth drove mortgage rates up to their highest mark since August 2.
Mortgage rates are currently 0.82 percent higher than a year ago, which is the biggest year-over-year increase since May 2014. Looking ahead, annualized comparisons for mortgage applications may look weaker than they appear, but that’s primarily because of the large spread between mortgage rates now and last September, which was when they reached their low for the year.
Overall, this spectacular stretch of solid job gains and low unemployment should help keep homebuyer interest elevated. However, mortgage rates will likely also move up, as the Federal Reserve considers short-term rate hikes this month and at future meetings.

Information provided by Freddie Mac.