Overall mortgage demand has now moved sideways for three straight weeks, but last week saw a split between those looking to buy a home and those hoping to save money with a refinance.
Total mortgage application volume increased just 0.1% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index, essentially flat.
"Mortgage rates moved higher last week as several Federal Reserve officials reiterated a patient posture on rate cuts.
Refinance demand usually drops when rates rise, but rates had fallen back slightly in the previous weeks, so some homeowners may have been waiting for them to go even lower.
It is set to be released Wednesday morning, and depending on the outcome, mortgage rates could make a strong move in either direction.
Persons:
Joel Kan
Organizations:
Mortgage, Federal