Mortgage Rates Slide to Another Record Low

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2012  — The average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to a new low of 4.1 percent, according to Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.35 discount and origination points.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage inched lower to 3.35 percent, while the jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage nosed higher to 4.56 percent. Adjustable mortgage rates were mostly lower, with the average 3-year ARM falling to a record low of 3.23 percent, while the 5-year adjustable slid to 3.03 percent.

Mortgage rates remain in a familiar holding pattern, with subtle fluctuations week-to-week. Despite the better footing on which the U.S. economy currently rests, the unfolding developments with the European debt crisis continue to keep mortgage rates in check.

The last time mortgage rates were above 6 percent was Nov. 2008. At the time, the average 30-year fixed rate was 6.33 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,241.86. With the average rate now 4.10 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $966.40, a difference of $275 per month for anyone refinancing now.

SURVEY RESULTS

30-year fixed: 4.10% — down from 4.14% last week (avg. points: 0.35)

15-year fixed: 3.35% — down from 3.36% last week (avg. points: 0.33)

5/1 ARM: 3.03% — down from 3.05% last week (avg. points: 0.29)