August 08 2025

Mortgage application activity rebounded last week as falling rates boosted both purchase and refinance demand. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey for the week ending August 1, 2025, showed a 3.1% increase in the seasonally adjusted Composite Index from the prior week. “Mortgage rates moved lower last week, following declining Treasury yields as economic data releases signaled a weakening U.S. economy,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “As a result, the 30-year fixed rate decreased for the third straight week to 6.77%, and applications for both purchase and refinance increased.” The Refinance Index rose 5% week-over-week and is 18% higher than the same week in 2024. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index increased 2% (unadjusted up 1%) and is also 18% above year-ago levels. The refinance share of total mortgage applications increased to 41.5% from 40.7% the previous week.  It's now at its highest level since April. The adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share rose to 8.5%. FHA share edged down to 18.5% from 18.8%, while VA share increased to 13.3% from 12.2%. Mortgage Rate Summary: 30yr Fixed: 6.77% (from 6.83%) | Points: 0.59 (from 0.60) 15yr Fixed: 6.03% (from 6.12%) | Points: 0.66 (from 0.64) Jumbo 30yr: 6.65% (from 6.74%) | Points: 0.59 (from 0.51) FHA: 6.47% (from 6.56%) | Points: 0.81 (from 0.83) 5/1 ARM: 6.06% (from 6.22%) | Points: 0.49 (from 0.51)

August 01 2025

Mortgage application activity fell last week, reversing prior momentum and highlighting continued softness in both purchase and refinance demand. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey showed a 3.8% decline in the seasonally adjusted Composite Index for the week ending July 25, 2025. “Mortgage applications fell to their lowest level since May, with both purchase and refinance activity declining over the week,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “The 30‑year fixed rate was little changed at 6.83%, but high enough to deter refinancing, pushing the refinance index lower for the third straight week. Purchase applications decreased by almost 6 percent, as conventional, FHA, and VA purchase loans declined despite slowing home‑price growth and rising inventory.” The Refinance Index dropped 1% week‑over‑week, though it remains about 30% above last year’s level. The Purchase Index posted a 6% weekly decrease, but still sits roughly 17% higher than the same week in 2024. Purchase applications declined across the board, while refinance activity also softened. The 30‑year fixed rate held steady at 6.83% after a slight drop from the week prior. Mortgage Rate Summary: 30yr Fixed: 6.83% (from 6.84%) | Points: 0.60 (down from 0.62) 15yr Fixed: 6.12% (down from 6.14%) | Points: 0.64 (down from 0.69) Jumbo 30yr: 6.74% (down from 6.75%) | Points: 0.51 (down from 0.70) FHA: 6.56% (up from 6.52%) | Points: 0.83 (up from 0.79) 5/1 ARM: 6.22% (up from 6.01%) | Points: 0.51 (up from 0.28)

August 01 2025

The National Association of Realtors’ Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)—which tracks contract signings on existing homes—has remained rangebound for more than two years, constrained by affordability pressures and elevated mortgage rates. This week’s release showed a decline after last month’s modest gain, reflecting persistent market softening. Pending home sales fell by 0.8% in June, following May’s 1.8% rise. The index is now 2.8% lower than a year ago , but remains far below pre‑2022 levels. Zooming out, contract activity remains stuck in a narrow band. The index hasn’t topped 80 since the summer of 2022, indicating a sluggish, rate‑constrained housing market. “The data shows a continuation of small declines in contract signings despite inventory in the market increasing,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. The drop in June extends weakness even as more homes come online. Regional Breakdown (Month‑Over‑Month) Northeast: +2.1% Midwest: −0.8% South: −0.7% West: −3.9% Regional YoY Change Northeast: 0.0% (flat) Midwest: −0.9% South: −2.9% West: −7.3% All regions except the Northeast posted declines month-over-month. Year-over-year, only the Northeast remains unchanged. The West saw the steepest annual drop at −7.3%.