Heading into the Christmas Holiday, Rates Dip Lower

Core Insights - The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) decreased to 6.18% as of December 24, 2025, down from 6.21% the previous week and significantly lower than 6.85% a year ago, indicating a positive trend for homebuyers [1][3] - The 15-year FRM increased slightly to 5.50% from 5.47% last week, but is lower than the 6.00% average from a year ago, suggesting mixed trends in shorter-term mortgage rates [3] Industry Overview - Freddie Mac's mission is to enhance liquidity, stability, and affordability in the housing market, having assisted millions of families in homeownership since 1970 [2] - The Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) focuses on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home purchase loans for borrowers with excellent credit who make a 20% down payment [1]