The national average interest rate on 30-year fixed-rate, mortgages fell week to 7.19%, from 7.24% a year earlier.
Preliminary figures from a weekly survey by HSH Associates of Butler, N.J., also showed that points charged on such loans averaged 1.3%, unchanged since last week.
The declines were across the board. The Washington, D.C., area continued to have the lowest rate, 7.06%, down from 7.12%. Minneapolis remained one of the most expensive areas at 7.28%, down from 7.35%. points charged on loans remained basically stable.
The national average for 15-year fixed loans was 6.73$, down from 6.82%, while one-year adjustables averaged 4.35%, down from 4.4%.
