Up until last week's Fed announcement, the average 30yr fixed mortgage rate was at the lowest levels in more than a year (in many cases, matching the same lows seen on September 16th--the day before the previous Fed announcement). Although these past 2 post-Fed episodes have resulted in somewhat volatile bounces, rates are still far closer to long-term lows than they are to the summertime highs. In terms of MND's 30yr fixed index, we're currently at 6.34% versus last week's low of 6.13%.  Contrast that to rates just under 7% in June and 7.25% earlier this year. (read more)