Optimal Blue’s Market Volume Index, which tracks mortgage rate lock activity, fell below 100 in November for the first time since August, reflecting typical seasonal trends. Processing Content Still, aided by lower interest rates in the second half of the year, November marked the strongest reading for this metric since 2021, strong by any measure, […]
Lower rates drive best November lock activity in years Read More »
Mortgage credit availability ended November at its loosest since August 2022, driven by additions of adjustable rate and cash-out refinance products to lenders’ menu, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. The 0.7% month-to-month rise in the Mortgage Credit Availability Index continues a streak which for every month in 2025 except January it was above the 100
ARM, refi products widen credit access Read More »
Treasury yields climbed to the highest in more than two months, following losses in most global government-bond markets, ahead of a Federal Reserve interest-rate decision that may alter expectations for monetary policy in 2026. US yields rose from 2 to 3 basis points across the curve, with intermediate maturities proving the weakest. The market trimmed
US treasury yields hit multimonth highs as focus shifts to Fed Read More »
Mortgage rates dropped almost 50 basis points in the third quarter, prompting more borrowers to refinance and retention rates on those customers to hit a three-and-a-half-year high, new industry data showed. Refinance retention reached 28% last quarter, the highest percentage since early 2022, and servicers held onto more than half of borrowers refinancing out of
Lower mortgage rates lift refi retention to 3.5-year high Read More »
As mortgage purchase applications approach a three-year high, it’s vital to recognize the significant role played by mortgage spreads. Without the improvement in mortgage spreads starting in 2024, we would not have gotten mortgage rates below 6.64%, which spurred the last 18 weeks of positive data. The following analysis examines this data in detail. Mortgage
December housing demand near 3-year high as spreads improve Read More »
Homeownership remains a top goal for Americans despite a challenging housing market, according to a new consumer survey from REMAX — highlighting affordability concerns, lifestyle priorities and community preferences as keys in shaping the plans of prospective buyers. Although 88% of respondents said they’re likely to purchase a home in 2026, 71% reported delaying plans
Homeownership remains top goal despite affordability concerns Read More »
If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably thought: “I’d like to move… but I don’t want to give up my 3% rate.” That’s fair. That rate has been one of your best financial wins – and it can be hard to let go. But here’s what you need to remember… A great rate
Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate Read More »
Mortgage rates again have moved lower, but given how the 10-year Treasury yield increased in the past eight days, prior to next week’s Fed meeting, this might be transitory. “Mortgage rates decreased for the second straight week as we emerged from the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist in a press release.
Mortgage rates move lower in advance of FOMC meeting Read More »
Bright MLS expects the U.S. housing market to enter a transitional period in 2026, with slightly lower mortgage rates and rising inventory offering some relief to buyers but not enough to fuel a full recovery. The nation’s largest multiple listing service (MLS) released its annual forecast Wednesday — describing a market shaped as much by
Bright MLS forecasts 2026 as reset year, not a rebound Read More »
US mortgage rates fell last week to a one-month low, spurring home-purchase activity. The contract rate on a 30-year mortgage dropped 8 basis points to 6.32% in the week ended Nov. 28, which included the Thanksgiving holiday, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data released Wednesday. The rate on a five-year adjustable mortgage declined to 5.4%,
Mortgage rates slide to 6.32%, boosting purchase activity Read More »