Fixed rates on home loans remain unchanged

Interest rates for fixed-rate home loans were unchanged for solid borrowers during the week that ended Wednesday, according to mortgage finance giant Freddie Mac.

But other surveys are showing that rates are declining again and hitting all-time lows.

Freddie Mac said Thursday that its national survey showed lenders offering non-jumbo loans at an average 4.37% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 3.82% for a 15-year fixed loan, identical to the rates in the previous week’s survey. The borrowers would have paid 0.7% of the loan amount to the lenders in upfront origination fees and discount points, Freddie Mac said.

Another take on home loans comes in a Bankrate.com report saying the rates offered by lenders have dropped to the lowest level since its survey began in 1985. Bankrate surveys large lenders in 10 major markets and reports typical rates being offered to borrowers with solid credit and 20% down payments or home equity. However, the lenders in that survey are quoting rates for borrowers who pay less in upfront fees — 0.35% of the loan amount.

scott.reckard@latimes.com