Housing

Lower Mortgage Interest Rates Slow Drop in Applications

Housing development
Thinkstock
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) released its weekly report on mortgage applications Wednesday morning, noting a decrease of 1% in the group’s seasonally adjusted composite index. That followed a drop of 9.2% for the previous week. Mortgage loan rates slipped for all types of mortgage loans except 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

The seasonally adjusted purchase index decreased 1% from the prior week’s report. On an unadjusted basis, the composite index decreased by 2% week-over-week. The unadjusted purchase index decreased by 2% for the week and remains 18% lower year-over-year.

Adjustable rate mortgage loans account for 8% of all applications, unchanged from last week.

The MBA’s refinance index decreased by 1%, after falling by 13% in the previous week. The share of refinancings remained unchanged at 52% of all applications.

The average mortgage loan rate for a conforming 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased from 4.36% to 4.33%. The rate for a jumbo 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell from 4.32% to 4.28%. The average interest rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage increased from 3.5% to 3.47%.

The contract interest rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage loan rose from 3.2% to 3.23%. Rates on a 30-year FHA-backed fixed rate loan fell from 4.07% to 4.03%.

After two weeks of sharp declines in mortgage applications, last week’s small decline is welcome news. The drop in interest rates probably helped a little, as did rising inventories of homes for sale with modest month-over-month price increases.

ALSO READ: May Sales of Existing Homes Post Largest Gain in Three Years

Essential Tips for Investing (Sponsored)

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.