Each gauge answers a slightly different question. Read the rate together with its clock, sample and treatment of upfront costs.

Freddie Mac

6.95%

As of Sept. 17 · weekly

Sample
Qualifying conventional, conforming purchase applications submitted through its underwriting system
Upfront costs
Points and fees are no longer published because lenders do not always supply them

MBA

7.12%

Week ending Sept. 18

Sample
Conforming applications through retail and direct-to-consumer channels, at 80% loan-to-value
Upfront costs
Average 0.73 points, including the origination fee

Mortgage News Daily

7.26%

Sept. 23 · daily

Sample
Lender rate sheets using a standardized strong-credit borrower scenario
Upfront costs
Points handled through a proprietary adjustment

A later daily reading can exceed 7% while a weekly average remains below it; neither figure is an individual borrower’s quote.

Sources: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey; Mortgage Bankers Association Weekly Applications Survey; Mortgage News Daily Rate Index.