Mortgage purchase demand declined after seeing a boost last week, triggered by an increase in rates.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – fell by 7.7%, wiping out last week’s 7.4% increase.
The average interest rate for 30-year fixed loans rose to 6.39% from 6.28%. A year ago that rate was 4.05%.
Bad inflation news this week pushed rates higher. Inflation rose 0.5% in January, more than expected. Shelter costs accounted for roughly half of the month-over-month increase.
Retail sales also jumped in January, adding to the Fed’s big inflation headache as it tries to steer the economy to a 2% inflation rate.
“Mortgage rates increased…
Both purchase applications and refis saw increases as rates fell for a fifth consecutive week.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – rose by 7.4%.
Adjusted purchase applications increased by 3%, while the unadjusted index was up 4% from the week before and was 37% lower YOY.
Refinances saw a big upswing, rising 18% from the week prior. But they remain 75% lower than the same time last year, comprising only 33.9% of total applications.
In the past decade, refis averaged 58% of total activity.
“Both purchase and refinance applications increased last week and have shown gains in three of the past four weeks because of…
As economists predicted, the 30-year fixed rate fell again this week, moving closer to 6%.
Officials at Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.09%, down from 6.13% the week prior.
A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.55%.
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell from 5.17% to 5.14%. A year ago, it averaged 2.77%.
“Mortgage rates inched down again, with the 30-year fixed-rate down nearly a full point from November, when it peaked at just over seven percent,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
“According to Freddie Mac research, this one percentage point reduction in rates can allow as many as three million more mortgage-ready consumers to qualify and afford a $400,000 loan,…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
After officials at the Federal Reserve raised rates by 25 basis points, Chair Jerome Powell said that the fight against inflation isn’t over and he does not see them cutting rates this year.
During a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Powell said the disinflationary process has started in some sectors of the economy but they remain cautious.
“Certainty is just not appropriate here. Inflation, it’s just hard to forecast inflation. It may come down faster. It may take longer to come down, and yet, our job is to deliver inflation back to target and we will do that, but I think we’re going to be cautious about declaring victory and sending signals that we think that the…
The 30-year fixed rate slipped slightly again last week, prompting some pent-up buyers to lock in a purchase, Freddie Mac reported Thursday.
Freddie’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey found that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.13%, down from 6.15% the week prior.
A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.55%.
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell from 5.28% to 5.17%. A year ago, it averaged 2.80%.
“Mortgage rates continue to tick down and, as a result, home purchase demand is thawing from the months-long freeze that gripped the housing market,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Potential homebuyers remain sensitive to changes in mortgage rates, but ample demand remains, fueled by first-time homebuyers.”
Pending home sales have been…
Pending home sales rose for the first time since May, breaking a six-month streak of declines, according to the National Association of Realtors.
The Pending Home Sales Index increased by 2.5% between November and December. Year-over-year it dropped by 33.8%, an improvement over November’s 37%.
All four regions saw pending sales fall YOY, but the South and West saw gains month-over-month.
“This recent low point in home sales activity is likely over,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Mortgage rates are the dominant factor driving home sales, and recent declines in rates are clearly helping to stabilize the market.”
Mortgage rates fell again last week to 6.13%, drawing some buyers back to the market.
Purchase loan applications increased again as…
Mortgage loan application volume increased again last week, continuing a trend of rising demand as mortgage rates slip.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey showed the adjusted Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, rose by 7%.
The results included an adjustment for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Refinances drove the increase, up 15% from the week prior as mortgage rates fell to 6.2%, their lowest level since September.
They remain 77% lower than the same time last year, however, comprising only 31.9% of total applications. In the past decade, refis averaged 58% of total activity.
Purchase demand saw a boost as well, though not as drastic. Applications increased at a seasonally adjusted rate of 3%, but…
Existing-home sales dropped for the eleventh straight month in December, down 1.5% from November and 34% YOY, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors. Sales fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million from 4.09 million the month prior. Three of the four major regions saw declines month-over-month, though the West’s sales were unchanged from November. All four regions saw annual declines. “December was another difficult month for buyers, who continue to face limited inventory and high mortgage rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “However, expect sales to pick up again soon since mortgage rates have markedly declined after peaking late last year.” The 30-year fixed rate fell to 6.15% last week. Limited…
The 30-year fixed rate continued to slip last week, Freddie Mac reported Thursday. Freddie’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey found that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.15%, down from 6.33% the week prior. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.56 percent. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell from 5.52% to 5.28%. A year ago, it averaged 2.79%. “As inflation continues to moderate, mortgage rates declined again this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Declining rates are providing a much-needed boost to the housing market, but the supply of homes remains a persistent concern.” Housing construction slid in December to a five-month low. Residential starts fell 1.4% from November to an annualized rate of 1.38 million, while…
Mortgage loan application volume saw a double-digit increase last week as sinking rates led to a purchase demand rebound. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey showed the adjusted Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, jumped by 27.9%. Purchase demand increased at a seasonally adjusted rate of 25% and an unadjusted rate of 32%. Though it remains 35% below last year’s levels, the increase is good news for brokers whose businesses have been impacted by affordability issues and high rates. Mortgage rates fell to 6.23% last week. “Mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since September 2022, and about a percentage point below the peak mortgage rate last fall,” said Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s SVP and Chief…
