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☆ Mortgage refinance demand drops further, despite homeowners sitting on $17 trillion in equity
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-10 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The recent run-up in home prices, a staggering increase of more than 40% from pre-pandemic levels, should have current homeowners rushing to refinance. But for most, pulling that cash out simply costs too much now that interest rates are more than twice what they were just two years ago. Applications to refinance a home dropped last week for the fourth straight week, down 2%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. Homeowners were sitting on a collective $17 trillion in equity at the end of the first quarter of 2024, according to CoreLogic. Mortgage rates haven't moved at all so far this week, despite Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's testimony before Congress on Tuesday.

Persons: Joel Kan, Kan, Jerome Powell's, Powell, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Homeowners, Consumer, Mortgage News

☆ Here's how bad housing affordability is now
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Home prices set another record in April, even as mortgage rates rose and the supply of homes for sale increased. Usually, under those circumstances, prices would weaken, but today's housing market is unlike any other in recent history. The housing cost burden has hit a record, according to a new report from Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. Housing supply was already low before the Covid pandemic hit, because homebuilders had yet to recover from the 2008 financial crisis. Then there was a pandemic-induced run on housing, causing supply to drop to record lows for several years.

Persons: Brian Luke, Dow, HJCH, homebuilders, Homebuilders couldn't, Orphe Divounguy Organizations: Mortgage News, Dow Jones, Harvard's, for Housing Studies

☆ Home prices hit record high in May as sales stall
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

watch nowSales of previously owned homes are sitting at a 30-year low and didn't move much in May as prices hit a new record and mortgage rates remain high. The sluggish sales pace came as rates took a big leap in April. David Ryder | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesSales were unchanged month to month in all regions except the South, where they fell 1.6%. At the current sales pace, there is now a 3.7-month supply. "Eventually, more inventory will help boost home sales and tame home price gains in the upcoming months.

Persons: Lawrence Yun, David Ryder, Yun Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Mortgage News, NAR, Bloomberg, Getty Locations: Issaquah Highlands, Issaquah , Washington, US

☆ Mortgage demand flattens even as interest rates hit the lowest level since March
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Consumers seemed unimpressed by the latest drop in mortgage rates. Total mortgage application volume rose just 0.9% compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. "Mortgage rates dropped last week following the latest inflation data and the FOMC meeting," said Mike Fratantoni, MBA's SVP and chief economist. Mortgage applications to purchase a home rose 2% for the week and were 12% lower than the same week one year ago. Mortgage rates moved a little bit higher to start this week but then pulled back Tuesday after weaker than expected retail sales data.

Persons: Mike Fratantoni, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, MBA's, Mortgage News

☆ A brief drop in mortgage rates caused a huge surge in demand, but it may be short-lived
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage rates dropped for much of last week, causing total mortgage application volume to surge nearly 16% compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. But rates jumped back up again after a stronger-than-expected monthly employment report Friday. For the bulk of the week, rates were lower than that, but Friday's news caused rates to jump 12 basis points, according to a separate survey from Mortgage News Daily. Homebuyers are not only contending with high interest rates but also high home prices. A monthly survey from Fannie Mae found 86% of consumers say now is a bad time to buy a home.

Persons: Mike Fratantoni, Fannie Mae, Fratantoni, Matthew Graham of Organizations: Mortgage, Mortgage News, Federal Reserve, Matthew Graham of Mortgage News

☆ Mortgage demand falls for the second straight week, but all eyes are on Friday's jobs report
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage interest rates last week moved to the highest level since early May, and that pushed mortgage demand lower for the second straight week. Total mortgage application volume fell 5.2% last week, compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. Mortgage applications to purchase a home fell 4% for the week and were 16% lower than the same week a year ago. Buyers are not only contending with higher interest rates. Mortgage rates ended last week with a sharp drop on Friday and then continued to slide this week.

Persons: –, Mike Fratantoni, Fratantoni, Matthew Graham of, Graham Organizations: Mortgage, MBA's, Government, Matthew Graham of Mortgage News Locations: Austin , Texas

☆ Pending home sales in April slump to the lowest level since the start of the pandemic
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, pending home sales fell 1.5 percent in October to their lowest level in 20 years. These so-called pending sales are a forward-looking indicator of closed sales one-to-two months later. Pending sales were 7.4% lower than in April of last year. Because the count is based on signed contracts, it shows how buyers are reacting to mortgage rates in real time. With home prices still climbing and supply very low, leading to increased competition, that jump in rates had a huge effect on sales.

Persons: Justin Sullivan, Lawrence Yun, Yun, Hannah Jones Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Mortgage News, NAR, West, Realtor.com Locations: CALIFORNIA, San Anselmo , California, Midwest, Redfin

☆ Weekly mortgage demand drops to three-month low, as rates begin climbing again
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

After a brief pullback during much of May, mortgage rates began rising again last week. That had an immediate impact on what had been several weeks of strengthening mortgage demand. As a result, total mortgage application volume fell 5.7% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. "Borrowers remain sensitive to small increases in rates, impacting the refinance market and keeping purchase applications below last year's levels. Mortgage rates jumped sharply to start this week, rising 12 basis points just on Tuesday, according to a separate survey from Mortgage News Daily.

Persons: Joel Kan, Kan, Neel Kashkari Organizations: Mortgage, Mortgage News, Minneapolis Federal, CNBC Locations: Austin , Texas

☆ Weekly mortgage refinance demand revives as interest rates fall to 7-week low
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage interest rates fell for the third straight week last week, sparking increased demand for refinances. Total mortgage application volume rose 1.9% compared to the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. Applications to refinance a home loan rose 7% for the week and were 21% higher than the same week one year ago. Rates last week were just 32 basis points higher than they were a year ago, and that gap has been shrinking. While higher mortgage rates certainly hurt affordability, today's buyers are still facing very low supply and stiff competition, which fuels bidding wars.

Persons: Joel Kan, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Federal Reserve, Mortgage News Locations: Hawthorn Woods , Illinois

☆ Mortgage rates will 'lead the way' lower ahead of Fed rate cut, says Matt Graham
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailMortgage rates will 'lead the way' lower ahead of Fed rate cut, says Matt GrahamMatt Graham, chief operating officer at Mortgage News Daily, joins CNBC's 'The Exchange' to discuss the housing market outlooks, mortgage rates, and more.

Persons: Matt Graham Matt Graham Organizations: Mortgage News

☆ Mortgage demand from homebuyers drops even as interest rates pull back to April lows
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage rates last week dropped to the lowest level since April, but buyers are still struggling to afford today's housing market. As a result, mortgage demand flattened at a weak pace. "While the downward move in rates benefits prospective homebuyers, mortgage rates are still much higher than they were a year ago, while for-sale inventory remains tight," Kan added. Another read on inflation will influence the next move from the Federal Reserve on interest rates. "The difference between a result of 0.2 or 0.4 is surprisingly massive when it comes to the world of interest rates.

Persons: Joel Kan, Kan, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Treasury, Federal Reserve, Mortgage News

☆ People are forking out record $2,800 a month on average just to cover their mortgage payments
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Theron Mohamed | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Mortgage holders are shelling out a record $2,800 on average to cover their monthly payments. The median monthly mortgage payment has jumped 11% over the past year to hit $2,775 for the four weeks ended April 14, Redfin data shows. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate spiked to a five-month high of 7.4% this week, per Mortgage News Daily. That has driven 30-year mortgage rates from about 3% at the start of 2022 to more than 7%, which has caused monthly mortgage payments to spike. The result is that consumers face a double-whammy of painful price increases and steeper monthly interest payments.

Persons: —, Barbara Corcoran, Bill Pulte Organizations: Service, Mortgage

☆ March homes sales dropped despite a surge in supply. Here's why.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Rising mortgage rates are likely the cause of the slowdown. Mortgage rates stayed lower in January, in the mid 6% range on the popular 30-year fixed loan. Inventory did improve slightly, rising 4.7% month to month to 1.11 million homes for sale at the end of March. Investors pulled back a bit, making up 15% of sales, compared with 21% in February and 17% in March of last year. Mortgage rates have moved even higher this month, with the average rate on the 30-year fixed hovering around 7.5%, according to Mortgage News Daily.

Persons: Lawrence Yun, It's, Yun Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Investors, Mortgage News Locations: West, That's

☆ Mortgage rates are now at the highest level of the year, and could still climb
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage crossed over 7% on April 1, according to Mortgage News Daily, and it just kept going. It now sits right around 7.5%, the highest level since mid-November of last year. Rates hit their highest level in a few decades last October, causing home sales to grind to a halt. Rates then fell through mid-January to the mid-6% range and held there into February, causing a surge in home sales. "Sales data over the next few months is likely to reflect the impact of now-higher mortgage rates."

Persons: Jerome, Powell, Danielle Hale Organizations: Mortgage News Daily, Builders, Realtor.com

☆ Mortgage rates are now at the highest level of the year, and could go even higher
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Persons: Jerome, Powell, Danielle Hale Organizations: Mortgage News Daily, Builders, Realtor.com

☆ Why mortgage applications have jumped despite rising interest rates
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWhy mortgage applications have jumped despite rising interest ratesMatthew Graham, chief operating officer at Mortgage News Daily, joins CNBC's 'The Exchange to break down his outlook for home mortgages, real estate prices, and more.

Persons: Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage News

☆ Weekly mortgage demand remains stalled, as interest rates stay stubbornly high
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage rates didn't move much last week, and for the second week in a row, neither did mortgage demand. Total mortgage application volume last week was essentially flat, dropping 0.6% from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. "Elevated mortgage rates continued to weigh down on homebuying. Purchase applications were unchanged overall, although FHA purchases did pick up slightly over the week," noted Joel Kan, an MBA economist. Mortgage rates bounced higher to start this week, after new economic data on manufacturing came in higher than expected and noted higher prices.

Persons: Joel Kan, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Federal Reserve, Mortgage News Locations: homebuying

☆ Mortgage demand stalls, even as interest rates moderate
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The usually busy spring housing market is underway, but mortgage demand isn't moving. Mortgage rates today are still about a half a percentage point higher than they were at this time last year, so recent borrowers have no incentive to refinance. "Purchase applications were essentially unchanged, as homebuyers continue to hold out for lower mortgage rates and for more listings to hit the market," said Joel Kan, an MBA economist in a release. Mortgage rates have basically moved sideways to start this week and are unlikely to change until next week, when more economic data is set to be released. "If inflation falls a bit more or if the economy shows marked signs of weakening, it would tip the scales in favor of lower rates."

Persons: Joel Kan, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Mortgage News Locations: Miami , Florida

☆ February home sales spike 9.5%, the largest monthly gain in a year, as supply improves
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-21 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Sales of existing homes surged 9.5% in February from January to 4.38 million units, on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales were down 3.3% year over year, but it was the largest monthly gain since February 2023. Sales surged the most in the West, up 19.4%, and the South, up 16.4%. "Additional housing supply is helping to satisfy market demand," said Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist. Inventory rose 10.3% year over year to 1.07 million homes for sale at the end of February.

Persons: Lawrence Yun, Yun Organizations: National Association of Realtors . Housing, Mortgage News Daily Locations: West, California, Florida, Georgia

☆ Weekly mortgage demand drops as interest rates rise again, but Fed announcement will be key for spring market
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-20 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Mortgage interest rates rose last week for the first time in three weeks. As a result, total mortgage application volume dropped 1.6% compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($766,550 or less) increased to 6.97% from 6.84%, with points decreasing to 0.64 from 0.65 (including the origination fee) for loans with a 20% down payment. That was the weekly average, but another index from Mortgage News Daily, which looks at daily rates, had the 30-year fixed mortgage moving back over 7% last Thursday. "Mortgage rates increased last week as incoming data showed inflation was still hotter than expected, which stoked concerns about the timing and extent to which the Fed might be able to reduce the fed funds rates this year," said Joel Kan, MBA's vice president and deputy chief economist.

Persons: Joel Kan Organizations: Mortgage, Mortgage News

☆ Weekly mortgage demand jumps again as interest rates fall just below 7%
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A For Sale sign is posted in front of a home for sale in San Marino, California on September 6, 2023. Mortgage rates swung slightly lower last week, fueling a significant jump in mortgage demand for the second straight week. Total application volume rose 7.1%, compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. Applications for a mortgage to purchase a home rose 5% for the week but were still 11% lower than a year ago. Mortgage rates rose slightly at the start of this week, after a government report on consumer prices came in higher than expected Tuesday.

Persons: Mike Fratantoni, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Mortgage News Locations: San Marino , California

☆ 7% interest rates hit weekly mortgage demand hard
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Higher mortgage rates continue to hit demand from both current homeowners and potential homebuyers. Total mortgage application volume dropped 5.6% last week from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. Fratantoni noted, however, that mortgage demand from buyers looking at newly built homes jumped 19% year over year in January. However, mortgage rates above 7% sure don't help," he added. Mortgage rates moved higher again to start this week, according to a separate survey from Mortgage News Daily.

Persons: Mike Fratantoni, Fratantoni, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, VA, FHA, Mortgage News

☆ Existing home sales rose 3% to start the year, but higher mortgage rates are already hurting
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Sales of previously owned homes rose 3.1% in January to 4 million units on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, according to the National Association of Realtors. The count is based on closings, so the contracts were likely signed in November and December, when mortgage interest rates backed off their October high of 8%. "Listings were modestly higher, and home buyers are taking advantage of lower mortgage rates compared to late last year." While lower mortgage rates helped boost January sales, today's higher rates are already once again weighing on the market. Correction: The 32% all-cash share of January 2024 home sales was up from 29% in January 2023.

Persons: Lawrence Yun, Yun, It's Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Mortgage News, NAR, Redfin

☆ Mortgage rates shoot to 2-month high after new report shows inflation is still hot
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Homebuyers are facing a worsening affordability situation with mortgage rates hovering around the highest levels in more than a decade. Mortgage rates shot higher Friday after a monthly government report on wholesale prices showed inflation is still persistent and hotter than most analysts had expected. Mortgage rates hit their last high in October but then fell sharply over the next two months, leveling out at around 6.6% in December. In February's report, builders said they expected mortgage rates to continue to moderate in the coming months. "And while mortgage rates still remain too high for many prospective buyers, we anticipate that due to pent-up demand, many more buyers will enter the marketplace if mortgage rates continue to decline this year."

Persons: Matthew Graham, Alicia Huey Organizations: Mortgage News, . Census, National Association of Home Builders Locations: Albany , California, Birmingham , Alabama

☆ Mortgage rates surge higher again, causing homebuyers to pull back
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

After a brief reprieve in December and January, mortgage rates are moving higher again, and that is taking its toll on mortgage demand. Total mortgage application volume fell 2.3% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. "That's because mortgage rates are climbing again and winter weather has been harsher than usual in much of the country, keeping some house hunters at home." Mortgage rates surged even higher Tuesday after a government report on inflation showed it was still stubbornly higher than expected. "The bond market (which underlies mortgage rates) reacted immediately and forcefully when the numbers came out.

Persons: Joel Kan, Chen Zhao, Bonds, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Mortgage News Locations: Pico Rivera , California, Redfin

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