From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-18 12:03:00

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage decreased for the third consecutive week, dropping to 6.81% from 6.84%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also fell, with the average rate at 5.96% compared to 5.97% last week and 6.13% a year ago, according to Freddie Mac.

Mortgage rates are affected by factors such as Federal Reserve interest rate decisions and bond market expectations for the economy and inflation. Lenders use the 10-year Treasury yield as a guide to pricing home loans, which was at 4.35% on Wednesday, down from 4.58% a few weeks ago.

Despite fluctuations, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage has remained close to its high of just over 7% set in mid-January. The rate hit a low point of 6.62% in early April. This trend is seen as a positive development for prospective homebuyers amid the current housing market challenges.

Read more: Average long-term US mortgage rate eases to 6.81%, the third consecutive weekly decline