What has many concerned is the increased volatility we have witnessed over the last few months.

For the week ending December 13, Freddie Mac announced that 30-year fixed rates fell to 4.63% from 4.75% the week before. The average for 15-year loans decreased to 4.07% and the average for five-year adjustables also declined to 4.04%.

Rates stabilized this week after rising the week before, but rates were falling as the survey period ended. For the week ending November 15, Freddie Mac announced that 30-year fixed rates remained at 4.94%.

For the week ending November 8, Freddie Mac announced that 30-year fixed rates increased to 4.94% from 4.83 the week before. The average for 15-year loans rose to 4.33% and the average for five-year adjustables increased to 4.14%.

Rates fell back a bit in the past week, but the numbers were released before rates rebounded on Friday. For the week ending November 1, Freddie Mac announced that 30-year fixed rates decreased to 4.83% from 4.86 the week before.

Rates were stable in the past week, holding most of the decrease from the week prior. For the week ending October 25, Freddie Mac announced that 30-year fixed rates increased one tick to 4.86% from 4.85% the week before.

Rates fell back in the past week after several increases which brought rates to levels not seen for several years. For the week ending October 18, Freddie Mac announced that 30-year fixed rates decreased to 4.85% from 4.90% the week before.

Rates jumped sharply in the past week, reaching levels not seen for over seven years. For the week ending October 11, Freddie Mac announced that 30-year fixed rates increased to 4.90% from 4.71% the week before.

Rates moved to their highest level of the year in anticipation of the Federal Reserve hiking short-term rates. For the week ending September 27, Freddie Mac announced that 30-year fixed rates increased to 4.72% from 4.65% the week before.

Rates were up again in the past week, but started to level off towards the end of the survey period. For the week ending September 13, Freddie Mac announced that 30-year fixed rates increased to 4.60% from 4.54% the week before.

For the week ending August 30, Freddie Mac announced that 30-year fixed rates increased one tick to 4.52% from 4.51% the week before. The average for 15-year loans fell slightly to 3.97% and the average for five-year adjustables decreased to 3.85%.