The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage edged higher to 6% as of March 5th, from the softest level since September 2022 of 5.98% in the previous week, according to data from Freddie Mac. “Mortgage rates held steady at 6% this week, hovering near their lowest level since 2022. In fact, rates are down nearly a full percentage point from this time in 2024, spurring activity from buyers, sellers and owners. As a result, refinance activity is up, and purchase applications are ahead of last year’s pace,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.