Mortgage Applications Fall For Third Week

Mortgage purchase demand fell for a third week as rates hit their highest point since November.  The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – dropped by 5.7%, a slight improvement on last week’s 13.3% dip. The average interest rate for 30-year fixed loans rose from 6.62% to 6.71%. Rates have jumped by 50 basis points just in the last month, driving applications down. Adjusted purchase applications decreased by 6%, while the unadjusted index was down 3% from the week before and was 44% lower YOY. “Data on inflation, employment, and economic activity have signaled that inflation may not be cooling as quickly as anticipated, which continues to…

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Poised To Make A Comeback?

By SCOTT KIMBLER It is being reported that the typical homebuyer could save an estimated $15,582 over five years if they take out an adjustable-rate mortgage and some borrowers are wondering if the risks are worth the rewards. On Friday, Redfin published an article by Lily Katz and Taylor Marr which stated that demand for adjustable-rate mortgages is on the rise because they typically have lower interest rates than 30-year fixed loans. The Redfin analysis used the estimated monthly mortgage payment on a median asking price home during the four weeks ending May 12. The amount used for calculations was $410,700. The analysis found that the monthly payment for buyers who took out a 5/1 ARM was an estimated $2,164…

U.S. Mortgage Markets Heat Up As Interest Rates and Prices Rise

By SCOTT KIMBLER Potential homebuyers are rushing to mortgage offices to make sure they get a loan before prices and interest rates go even higher. Mortgage rates jumped again to an average of 4.67%, up from last week’s 4.42%, Freddie Mac reported Thursday. At the same time, the spring selling season is looking promising for sellers. Home prices rose 1.84% in February and 19.6% year-over-year – the largest annual gains on record – according to Black Knight’s Monthly Mortgage Monitor Report. These numbers, along with an awkward supply and demand situation, are pushing some buyers who are in a position to do so to go ahead with their home purchase now.  Jerry Stover, sales manager with Homeowners Financial, said this has been…