Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Ahead of Jobs Report

NEW YORK, March 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Fixed mortgage rates were mostly unchanged, with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate holding at 3.73 percent this week, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.36 discount and origination points.

(Logo: [ http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20040122/FLTHLOGO ] )

To see mortgage rates in your area, go to [ http://www.bankrate.com/funnel/mortgages/ ].

The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate remained at 2.96 percent, while the larger jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage fell for a second straight week, to 4.06 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were mixed, with the 3-year ARM rising to 3.03 percent, the 5-year ARM staying at 2.68 percent, and the 7-year ARM dipping to 2.89 percent.

The movement in mortgage rates was rather tame this week as the monthly look at the labor market looms. All-in-all, the economic recovery is plugging along, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting a new high, but it all boils down to jobs. Those that are working are seeing stagnant wages, so the best hope for a jump in consumer spending and a boost to the overall economy lies in adding more jobs.

The last time mortgage rates were above 5 percent was Apr. 2011. At the time, the average 30-year fixed rate was 5.07 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,082.22. With the average rate currently at 3.73 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $923.96, a difference of $158 per month for anyone refinancing now.

SURVEY RESULTS

30-year fixed: 3.73% -- unchanged from last week (avg. points: 0.36)

15-year fixed: 2.96% -- unchanged from last week (avg. points: 0.33)

5/1 ARM: 2.68% -- unchanged from last week (avg. points: 0.32)

Bankrate's national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.

For a full analysis of this week's move in mortgage rates, go to [ http://www.bankrate.com ].

The survey is complemented by Bankrate's weekly Rate Trend Index, in which a panel of mortgage experts predicts which way the rates are headed over the next seven days. More than half of respondents - 58 percent – expect mortgage rates to remain more or less unchanged over the next week. One-quarter forecast an increase and just 17 percent predict a decline in mortgage rates over the next seven days.

For the full mortgage Rate Trend Index, go to [ http://www.bankrate.com/RTI ].

To download the Bankrate Mortgage Calculator & Mortgage Rates iPhone App 2.0, go to
[ https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bankrate-mortgage-calculator/id551454062?mt=8 ].

About Bankrate, Inc. (NYSE: [ RATE ])

The Bankrate network of companies includes [ Bankrate.com ], [ Interest.com ], [ Mortgage-calc.com ], [ Nationwide Card Services ], [ InsureMe ], [ CreditCardGuide.com ], [ Bankaholic ], [ CreditCards.com ] and [ NetQuote ]. Each of these businesses helps consumers to make informed decisions about their personal finance matters. The company's flagship brand, Bankrate.com is a destination site of personal finance channels, including banking, investing, taxes, debt management and college finance. Bankrate.com is the leading aggregator of rates and other information on more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used auto loans, money market accounts and CDs, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Bankrate.com reviews more than 4,800 financial institutions in 575 markets in 50 states. Bankrate.com provides financial applications and information to a network of more than 75 partners, including Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO), America Online (NYSE: AOL), The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times (NYSE: NYT). Bankrate.com's information is also distributed through more than 500 newspapers.

For more information contact:
Kayleen Yates
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
[ kyates@bankrate.com ]
(917) 368-8677

SOURCE Bankrate, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
[ http://www.bankrate.com ]

Contributing Sources

Market Wire

N@N

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Ahead of Jobs Report