On Thursday, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced the third round of bond purchase in order to bring down long-term interest rates and boost economic growth. The Fed said, that it plans to buy $40 billion worth of mortgage-backed securities per month. Now, the big question is, how big downward pressure will be on mortgage rates and in case rates dip, how low can they sink?

Moreover, the Fed disclosed that it intends to keep short-term interest rates close to zero levels until mid-2015. Interest rates may be kept at nearly zero for a „considerable time”, even after the economy picks up, according to the Fed.

Mortgage rates show no signs of going away from record-lows, the latest figures from Freddie Mac indicate. The McLean, Virginia-based mortgage-finance company released the results of its weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey on Thursday. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed mortgage was holding steady at 3.55% this week. The record-low rate for this type of loan is 3.49% from July. A minor improvement was noticed regarding the 15-year FRM, which averaged 2.85% this week, down from the previous 2.86% rate.

If we take a look at today’s mortgage rates at various major lenders, we might see a slight downward trend, while other packages are holding firm. For instance, the standard 30-year fixed loan for home refinancing is available at Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) at a rate of 3.625% and carries an annual percentage rate of 3.773%. As it can be seen this long-term fixed rate loan has a tad lower rate now compared to the one seen yesterday. Those who are more interested in the 15-year FRM, can expect to pay 3.000% in interest plus an APR sum of 3.262%.

Adjustable rate mortgages remained mostly unchanged this Friday. Bank of America’s flexible 7/1 ARM deal can be locked in at a rate of 2.625% and holds an APR variable of 3.086%. The 5/1 version of this loan may pique some interest from borrowers, as it demands only 2.250% in interest and 3.057% by way of APR.

Branch Banking and Trust (NYSE:BBT) offers the 30-year FRM for as low as 3.875% with an APR amounting to 3.941%. Regarding BB&T Bank’s 15-year fixed package, the starting rate is 3.250% and it results in an APR sum of 3.367%.

The 30-year fixed FHA loan looks quite attractive today, as it begins at 3.250% and it’s accompanied by an annual percentage rate of 3.487%.

Borrowers who head over to TD Bank (NYSE:TD) will see the benchmark 30-year fixed refinance loan being advertised at a rate of 3.750% and amounts to an APR of 3.800%. In case someone is considering the 15-year fixed rate package, the current rate is hovering around 3.000% and has an APR figure of 3.088%.

Now, looking at the more flexible options, the 7/1 ARM at TD Bank is starting at 2.750% and comes with an APR of 3.069%. The shorter 5/1 ARM package, on the other hand, can be picked up at a rate of 2.500% plus an APR sum of 3.040%.