Mortgage applications declined last week as rates soared to a new high for 2024.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows that the adjusted Market Composite Index — a measure of mortgage loan application volume — fell by 2.7%.
Adjusted purchase applications slipped by 1%, while the unadjusted index was up 0.2% and 15% lower YOY.
Homebuyers are facing the highest rates of the year, with the 30-year fixed rate jumping to 7.24%. This is their highest point since late 2023.
“Purchase applications declined, as homebuyers delayed their purchase decisions due to strained affordability and low supply,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist.
Notably, the share of ARM applications shot up to 7.6% as buyers looked…
Mortgage applications ticked up slightly last week, buoyed by a refi boost as purchase applications tanked in the face of 7% rates.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows that the adjusted Market Composite Index — a measure of mortgage loan application volume — increased by 0.1%, following the week prior’s 0.6% slip.
Adjusted purchase applications fell by 5%, while the unadjusted index was down 4% and 23% lower YOY.
Rates took a turn upward in the face of a surprisingly strong unemployment report and continued inflation stickiness, rising to 7.01%, their highest point in more than a month.
“Mortgage rates moved higher last week as several Federal Reserve officials reiterated a patient posture on rate cuts. Inflation remains stubbornly…
Mortgage applications slipped again as rates stayed put in the high 6%s, keeping affordability at the forefront of buyers’ minds.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows that the adjusted Market Composite Index — a measure of mortgage loan application volume — decreased by 0.6%, following the week prior’s 0.7% slip.
Adjusted purchase applications slipped by 0.1%, while the unadjusted index was up 1% and 13% lower YOY.
Rates pulled back slightly, clocking in at 6.91% and the 15-year fixed rate fell to its lowest level in two months, 6.35%. But both are high enough to deter borrowers, according to MBA Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist Joel Kan.
“Elevated mortgage rates continued to weigh down on home buying. Purchase…
Mortgage applications are down for a second week even as rates fell slightly.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows that the adjusted Market Composite Index — a measure of mortgage loan application volume — decreased by 0.7%, following the week prior’s 1.6% slip.
Adjusted purchase applications slipped by 0.2%, while the unadjusted index was up 2% and 16% lower YOY.
Rates pulled back slightly, clocking in at 6.93%, but remained high enough to deter borrowers, according to MBA Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist Joel Kan.
“Purchase applications were essentially unchanged, as homebuyers continue to hold out for lower mortgage rates and for more listings to hit the market,” he added.
“Lower rates should help to free up additional…
Mortgage applications are yo-yoing as affordability-minded buyers respond to fluctuating rates.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows that the adjusted Market Composite Index — a measure of mortgage loan application volume — decreased by 1.6%, following the week prior’s 7.1% bump.
Adjusted purchase applications slipped by 1%, while the unadjusted index was down 1% and 14% lower YOY.
Rates drove the downturn, as they jumped to 6.97% after three weeks of decreases. Too-hot inflation data is moving rates around, though they have mostly stayed in the mid- to high-6’s.
“Mortgage applications continued to show sensitivity to rate movements, and both purchase and refinance activity decreased over the week. With housing supply low and prices high, the average loan size…
Mortgage applications increased for a second week as rates retreated from 7%.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows that the adjusted Market Composite Index — a measure of mortgage loan application volume — increased by 7.1%, following the week prior’s 9.7% bump.
Adjusted purchase applications rose by 5%, while the unadjusted index was up 6% and 11% lower YOY.
“Mortgage rates dropped below 7% last week for most loan types because of incoming economic data showing a weaker service sector and a less robust job market, with an increase in the unemployment rate and downward revisions to job growth in prior months,” said Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s SVP and Chief Economist.
Nonfarm payrolls rose by 275,000 in February while the…
Marcia L. Fudge, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is unexpectedly resigning due to personal circumstances.
Her exit comes after three years at HUD’s helm, having served for almost all of the Biden presidency.
Fudge attributed her decision to her 92-year-old mother, with whom she wants to spend more time, and says she has no plans to run for office again.
“It’s time to go home,” Fudge told USA Today. “I do believe strongly that I have done just about everything I could do at HUD for this administration as we go into this crazy, silly season of an election.”
Fudge will be just one of a few cabinet members to leave the Biden administration, giving…
Rising rates sent mortgage applications spiraling last week, sidelining homebuyers and forcing refis to a standstill.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – decreased by 10.6%, piling onto the week prior’s 2.3% dip.
Adjusted purchase applications slipped by 10%, while the unadjusted index was down by 6% and was 13% lower YOY.
Rates shot up to 7.06% on the heels of less-than-ideal inflation data from January. The Fed’s preferred inflation index came in hotter than expected for January, and Wall Street pared back its bets on rate cuts from the Central Bank, now predicting they won’t come until at least May.
“The much-anticipated CPI report is…
Mortgage applications are swinging up and down, falling last week as rates posted increases.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – decreased by 2.3%, countering the week prior’s 3.7% rise.
Adjusted purchase applications slipped by 3%, while the unadjusted index increased by 4% and was 12% lower YOY.
Rates rose to 6.87%, their highest point since December, but have stayed in the mid-6% range since the beginning of 2024.
“Purchase applications remained subdued as elevated rates continue to add to affordability challenges along with still-low existing housing inventory. Refinance applications declined and remained depressed, with rates still higher than a year ago,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s…
The Mortgage Bankers Association responded to comments by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen who said that independent mortgage banks require regulatory oversight as they navigate commercial real estate debt.
In a hearing for the Senate Banking Committee, Yellen said the Financial Stability Oversight Council is focusing on nonbank mortgage companies because they “lack access to deposits, which banks have.”
She suggested that financial stress from commercial real estate weakness and low residential refinancing activity could lead to some IMBs failing.
“[Non-bank lenders are] reliant on short-term financing that may be a lot less stable than deposits, and in stressful times, their credit lines can be pulled,” Yellen said. “There is concern that in stressful market conditions we could see the…
