Dive Summary:

• The up-again, down-again rate picture for U.S. mortgages is signing the "down" side of the tune, with Freddie Mac's weekly survey finding the average for a 30-year fixed-rate at 3.49% – the all-time low set set in July – and the 15-year version at a new low of 2.77%.
• The low rates came in the same week that reports showed home prices continuing a slow rise, a combination that might encourage potential buyers to act sooner rather than later.
• A year ago, the 30-year mortgage was at 4.09% and the 15-year at 3.29%.

From the article:

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate returned to record lows this week, while the 15-year set an all-time bottom, following the Federal Reserve’s announcement of a new bond purchase plan. ...