What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 23, 2022

Last week’s economic reporting included readings and forecasts on inflation and the University of Michigan’s preliminary consumer sentiment survey. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

Inflation Reports: Mixed Results for April

Commerce Department readings on consumer inflation showed mixed results in April; the Consumer Price Index dropped to 0.30 percent growth from the March reading of 1.20 percent inflation. Analysts expected 0.30 percent growth from March to April. 

The Core Consumer Price Index, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, rose by 0.60 percent in April as compared to the March reading of 0.30 percent growth. Analysts expected April’s reading for the Core Consumer Price Index to rise by 0.40 percent.

Year-over-year inflation dipped to 8.30 percent in April as compared to the March reading of 8.50 percent. This was the first decline in eight months and was caused by lower fuel prices. Analysts expected a year-over-year inflation rate of 8.10 percent for April. 

The year-over-year reading for the Core CPI, which excludes food and fuel sectors, showed  6.20 percent growth as compared to the March reading of 6.40 percent. The University of Michigan forecasted an inflation rate of 3.00 percent in the next five years.

Mortgage Rates, Jobless Claims Mixed

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week as the rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by three basis points to 5.30 percent; the average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by four basis points to 4.48 percent. 

The average rate for 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages rose by two basis points to 3.98 percent. Discount points averaged 0.90  percent for fixed-rate mortgages and 0.30 percent for 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages.

First-time jobless claims rose to 203,000 new claims filed last week as compared to 202,000 initial claims filed in the prior week. Continuing jobless claims were lower last week with 1.34 million ongoing claims filed; 1.39 million claims were filed during the prior week.

The University of Michigan released the preliminary edition of its Consumer Sentiment Index for May; consumer sentiment dropped to an index reading of 59.10 percent for May as compared to April’s reading of 65.20 percent. The war in Ukraine and high fuel prices continued to contribute to consumer skepticism about current economic conditions.

Current Rates This Week for WA, OR, ID, and CO

Washington State mortgage rates are 4.93% for conforming 30-year mortgages, 4.13% for 15-year mortgages, and 4.57% for 5/1 ARMs. For jumbo loans, the numbers in the state are 4.73% for 30-year mortgages, 4.39% for 15-year mortgages, and 3.94% for 5/1 ARMs.

Mortgage rates In Oregon for conforming loan rates are 4.88% for 30-year mortgages, 4.34% for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, and 4.82% for 5/1 ARMs. For jumbo loans, the numbers are 4.74% for 30-year mortgages, 4.35% for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, and 3.98% for 5/1 ARMs.

Mortgage rates in Idaho for conforming loans for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are 4.79%, 4.50% for 15-year mortgages, and 4.39% for 5/1 ARMs, while for jumbo loans, the numbers for each loan type are 4.78%, 4.58%, and 4.09%, respectively.

Mortgage Rates for Colorado for conforming loans for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are 5.00%, 4.12% for 15-year mortgages, and 4.53% for 5/1 ARMs. For jumbo loans, the numbers for each loan type are 4.73%, 4.33%, and 4.08%, respectively.

Loan Limits Increased For 2022

Loan limits have increased for 2022 due to rising home prices throughout 2021. Each county in every state has set its own loan limit. That said, for most counties, the new conforming loan limit is $647,200 for 2022. FHA loan limits are $420,680 for most counties in 2022, though they can be much higher for more expensive counties. 

Visit our 2022 conforming loan limit pages for Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado.

For FHA loan limits for 2022, visit our pages for Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and Oregon.

Check out our mortgage loan limit tool for conventional, FHA, and VA loans.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include homebuilder readings on housing market conditions, Commerce Department reports on building permits issued and housing starts are also scheduled. The National Association of Realtors® will release data on sales of previously-owned single-family homes. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be released.