Mortgage applications

Both loan volumes and interest rates came in mostly flat, but the jumbo average ran ahead of the conforming for the second week in a row, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

Meanwhile, the average purchase loan amount surged to its highest level in 2023, showing signs of continued demand amid limited inventory.

Conventional and government-backed purchases both increased last week, even with a 12 basis point surge in the 30-year conforming average, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

The falloff in government-backed applications outpaced the overall decline, with volume down by over 8%, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

The increase in federally backed loan activity helped drive overall volumes upward for the first time since early February, even as interest rates jumped again, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The CFPB is requesting input on adding specifications that are intended to alleviate TRID compliance concerns on construction-to-permanent single-close loans and those requiring separate construction and home loan closings.

A week after it dropped to a 28-year low, purchase activity decreased again by over 5%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Buyer affordability has decreased by almost 22% in the past year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Volumes fell 18% compared to the previous week, while refinance activity also pulled back.

Higher interest rates helped drive down refinances by 87% and purchases by 42% compared to last year.