Mortgage rates continued to decrease in August, landing at an average rate of 6.50%. According to Freddie Mac, the average monthly rate fell by 35 basis points (bps) from July’s rate of 6.85%. The August rate is down 57 bps from one year ago, which stood at 7.07%.
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also saw a decrease, dropping by 45 bps from July to 5.68%, and is now lower compared to last August by 75 bps. Additionally, the 10-year Treasury rate declined 30 bps from 4.28% in July to 3.98%.
Per the NAHB forecast, we expect 30-year mortgage rates to decline slightly to around 6.66% at the end of 2024 and eventually to decline to just under 6% by the end of 2025. The NAHB outlook anticipates the federal funds rate to be cut by 25 bps no later than the December Federal Reserve meeting, although it is possible for the Fed to cut rates in the upcoming FOMC meeting in September.
