Housing
Mortgage Applications Continue to Rise on Refinancing; Interest Rates Rise Slightly
Published:
The Mortgage Bankers Association released its weekly report on mortgage applications this morning, noting a 0.2% rise in the group’s composite index compared with last week’s total. Applications for refinancing rose 0.8% to the highest level since April 2009, while purchase applications declined by about 2% from the previous week.
Refinancings now account for 81% of total applications, with more than 95% of the applications seeking fixed-rate loans.
The average contract interest rate for a conforming 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose slightly from 3.74% to 3.75%. The rate for a jumbo 30-year fixed-rate mortgage also rose, from 3.99% to 4.01%. The average interest rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage rose from 3.07% to 3.09%.
The contract interest rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage also rose slightly, from 2.68% to 2.73%.
After posting new all-time lows for several weeks in a row, mortgage interest rates for all types of loans rose slightly this week. Although still very low, rates could be rising as housing prices rise and buyers are beginning to return to the housing market.
Paul Ausick
The Average American Is Losing Momentum On Their Savings Every Day (Sponsor)
If you’re like many Americans and keep your money ‘safe’ in a checking or savings account, think again. The average yield on a savings account is a paltry .4%1 today. Checking accounts are even worse.
But there is good news. To win qualified customers, some accounts are paying more than 7x the national average. That’s an incredible way to keep your money safe and earn more at the same time. Our top pick for high yield savings accounts includes other benefits as well. You can earn a $200 bonus and up to 7X the national average with qualifying deposits. Terms apply. Member, FDIC.
Click here to see how much more you could be earning on your savings today. It takes just a few minutes to open an account to make your money work for you.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.