In Brief: 2 Surveys Find Rates Ebbing

WASHINGTON - Two major surveys found that mortgage rates continued to drop nationwide last week.

Averages for single-family mortgage rates fell in a majority of the 10 largest metropolitan areas. Washington had the largest decline - to 8.11%, from 8.24% the week before, Bankrate.com said. The national average fell to 8.13%, from 8.16%.

According to Freddie Mac's primary mortgage market survey, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 8.09% for the week that ended July 14, down from 8.16%; a year ago the 30-year fixed-rate average was 7.58%.

Last week's number was the lowest fixed mortgage rate since Dec. 31, when it averaged 8.06%.

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