- Sharply higher mortgage rates caused mortgage demand to drop to the lowest level since 1997.
- Mortgage rates fell slightly to start this week, but are still well over 7% after starting the year at around 3%.
- Home prices are still higher than they were last year, but the increases are slowing down
A house’s real estate for sale sign is seen in front of a home in Arlington, Virginia, November 19, 2020. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images
Mortgage demand fell last week to nearly half what it was a year ago, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, as rates hit their highest level in 21 years.
Overall, demand for mortgages is at the lowest level since 1997.
Mortgage applications to purchase a home dropped 2% from the prior week and were 42% lower than the same week in 2021. The annual comparison continues to jump each week, as fewer buyers either want or can afford to get into this very pricey housing market.
Applications to refinance a home loan fell just 0.1% for the week, but only because they were so low to begin with – down 86% from a year ago. There are currently fewer than 150,000 qualified borrowers who could benefit from a refinance at today’s rates, according to Black Knight. READ MORE...
Overall, demand for mortgages is at the lowest level since 1997.
Mortgage applications to purchase a home dropped 2% from the prior week and were 42% lower than the same week in 2021. The annual comparison continues to jump each week, as fewer buyers either want or can afford to get into this very pricey housing market.
Applications to refinance a home loan fell just 0.1% for the week, but only because they were so low to begin with – down 86% from a year ago. There are currently fewer than 150,000 qualified borrowers who could benefit from a refinance at today’s rates, according to Black Knight. READ MORE...
