10/03/2024
Purchase & Refinance Mortgages are Coming Back as Rates Drop
Homebuyers are returning to the market, with mortgage-rate locks surging nearly 70% as of September 23. Mortgage purchase applications rose by over 10% month over month and are up 2% year over year. This is the first time that the purchase application index has been positive on a year-over-year basis in two years. Also, Redfin’s Homebuyer Demand Index hit its highest point since May. Lower rates have made housing more affordable, with the median monthly housing payment down 4.4% year over year. Additionally, new home listings are up 7.6% annually as sellers respond to improving market conditions.
Refinances have been improving as well. Refinance activity climbed 20% higher week over week and are up a whopping 175% year over year. Refinance mortgages made up 56% of total mortgage applications, up from 51% the prior week.
Whether you are looking to purchase a home or refinance your current loan, this is the time to start looking if you haven’t already.
Source:
Mortgage-rate locks rose 68% from a month earlier in the days after the Fed announced its interest-rate cut, and Redfin’s Homebuyer Demand Index shot up to its highest level since May.