On an unadjusted basis, the composite index decreased by 12% week-over-week. The seasonally adjusted purchase index increased 5% compared to the week ended February 13. The unadjusted purchase index fell by 2% for the week and is now 2% lower year-over-year.
Home buying action is typically slow in January and February due to wintry weather. Home price increases have fallen sharply year-over-year, as Tuesday’s Case-Shiller home price index indicated. Interest rates are rising, likely in an effort to attract bond investors.
Adjustable rate mortgage loans accounted for 5.2% of all applications, down from 5.3% in the prior week.
The MBA’s refinance index decreased 8% week-over-week, and the percentage of all new applications that were seeking refinancing declined from 66% in the prior week to 62%.
The FHA share of all applications rose from 15.2% a week ago to 15.3%, and the VA share decreased from 8.0% to 9.6%.
The average mortgage loan rate for a conforming 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased from 3.93% to 3.99%. The rate for a jumbo 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased from 3.92% to 4.09%. The average interest rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage increased from 3.24% to 3.28%.
The contract interest rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage loan rose from 3.09% to 3.28%. Rates on a 30-year FHA-backed fixed rate loan rose from 3.73% to 3.82%.
ALSO READ: Homebuilders Are a Surprise for 2015: 5 Stocks to Buy Now
Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)
Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.
Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.
Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future
Get started right here.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.