WRE News February 16, 2024
Buyer
Fewer people were filling out mortgage applications last week, according to new data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
The Market Composite Index, the MBA’s measure of mortgage loan application volume, dropped by 2.3% week-over-week on a seasonally adjusted basis. On an unadjusted basis, the index increased 2% compared with the previous week.
The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index decreased 3% from one week earlier while the unadjusted index increased 4% compared with the previous week and was 12% lower than the same week one year ago. The Refinance Index decreased 2% from the previous week and was 12% higher than the same week one year ago; the refinance share of mortgage activity decreased to 34.2% of total applications from 35.4% the previous week.
Among the federal programs, the FHA share of total applications increased to 13.4% from 13.1% the week prior while the VA share of total applications decreased to 13.1% from 14.1% and the USDA share of total applications remained unchanged at 0.4%.
“Application activity was weaker last week, as mortgage rates moved higher across the board. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was up to 6.87% – the highest rate since early December 2023,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and deputy chief economist. “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.”
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Lifestyle
June 22, 2025
While anyone with a fence surrounding their property can let their dogs roam free without the fear of them running away (or worse), those without property pet security… Read more
Buyer
June 22, 2025
Mortgage rates continued to inch down in the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey published by Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC).
Buyer
June 22, 2025
California recorded 254,190 closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in May, according to data from the California Association of Realtors (CAR).
Buyer
June 21, 2025
In welcome news for house hunters, the domestic housing market is beginning to show signs of becoming more buyer-friendly, with cooling prices and a growing number of … Read more
Seller
June 21, 2025
It’s hard to let go of a 3% mortgage rate.
Lifestyle
June 21, 2025
This month marks the official start of summer, so if you haven't already solidified your summer travel itinerary, you need to get on it, pronto!
We Guide Homeowners through the complicated process of selling their home using our 4 Phase Selling Process and 3 Prong Marketing Strategy that alleviates their stress and moves them effortlessly to their next destination. Schedule a 15 Minute Complimentary Strategy Session Today