GlobeNewswire Inc | Dec 23, 2021 10:00AM EST

December 23, 2021

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), showing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.05 percent.

The market volatility resulting from the COVID-19 Omicron variant is causing mortgage rates to decrease, said Sam Khater, Freddie Macs Chief Economist. As the year comes to a close, the housing market is proceeding steadily. However, rates are expected to increase in 2022 which will impact homebuyer demand as well as refinance activity.

News Facts

-- 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.05 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending December 23, 2021, down from last week when it averaged 3.12 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 2.66 percent. -- 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.30 percent with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.34 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 2.19 percent. -- 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.37 percent with an average 0.4 point,down from last week when it averaged 2.45 percent.A year ago at this time, the 5-year ARM averaged 2.79 percent.

The PMMS is focused on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home purchase loans for borrowers who put 20 percent down and have excellent credit. Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining the mortgage. Visit the following link for the Definitions. Borrowers may still pay closing costs which are not included in the survey.

Freddie Mac makes home possible for millions of families and individuals by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Since our creation by Congress in 1970, weve made housing more accessible and affordable for homebuyers and renters in communities nationwide. We are building a better housing finance system for homebuyers, renters, lenders, investors and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com, Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Macs blog FreddieMac.com/blog.

MEDIA CONTACT: Angela Waugaman703-714-0644Angela_Waugaman@FreddieMac.com

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