
Mortgage Rates Hit Lowest Levels in More than 1 Year — Sequel Residential |
Fed Reverses Position on Economy & Rates |
CHESTNUT HILL, MA, March 22, 2019 — In a sharp about-face, the Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it does not intend on increasing interest rates any further in 2019 as mortgage rates hit their lowest levels in more than 1 year. In the Fed’s most recent Open Market Committee report issued on Wednesday, the Fed stated that “in light of global economic and financial developments and muted inflation pressures,” it intends on being “patient” and will hold tight for the time being. The Fed added that while unemployment remains low, the growth of the economy has “slowed from its solid rate in the fourth quarter.” Jonathan Slater, MBA (HBS), President, Sequel Residential Average 30 Year Mortgage Rates Drop to 4.28% As a result, average 30 year mortgage rates declined to 4.28% yesterday, based on data from Freddie MAC, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. One year ago, the same rate was at 4.44%. We have to go back to early February 2018 to find rates this low, says Jonathan Slater, President of Chestnut Hill based Sequel Residential, a leading local Realtor. Rates are about half a percent off their low of 3.78% in September 2017, and a little more than one percent off their 10 year low of 3.35% in May 2013. “Few expect rates to return to these levels anytime soon, but relatively speaking, mortgage rates are at very attractive historic levels,” adds Slater. 1 Yr Mortgage Chart (Source: St. Louis Fed & Freddie MAC)
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