Mortgage Applications Decrease for the Fourth Straight Week

According to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey, mortgage application volume decreased 1.8% in the week ending July 22nd. This marks the fourth straight week less mortgage applications have been submitted. Refinance applications specifically have decreased 4% from the previous week and were 83% lower than this same time last year. Mortgage rates have begun to stabilize after the volatility of the last few months but increased economic uncertainty has caused some potential buyers to drag their feet.

 

  • The FHA share of mortgage application volume decreased from 12.4% to 12.1% this past week.
  • The VA share of mortgage application volume remained at 10.6% this past week.

New Mortgage Interest Drops According to New Survey

According to the most recent survey from the Mortgage Bankers Assocation, new mortgage application numbers have decreased 6.3% for the week ending July 15th. This marks the third week in a row that new mortgage applications have dropped. The demand for refinances specifically has reached a 22-year low making up only 31.4% of total applications.

 

  • The FHA share of total application volume increased from 11.7% to 12.4% this past week.
  • The VA share of total application volume decreased from 11.2% to 10.6% this past week.

New Application Numbers Dip Once Again

According to a report from the Mortgage Bankers Assocation new mortgage applications decreased 1.7% for the week ending July 8th. Refinance application volume increased 2% during the same period and was 80% lower than this same time a year ago. Refinances made up 30.8% of total application volume during this period.

 

  • The FHA share of mortgage application volume decreased from 12% to 11.7% this period.
  • The VA share of mortgage application volume increased from 11.1% to 11.2% this period.

Mortgage Applications Decrease

According to a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association, new mortgage applications decreased 5.4% from the prior week for the period ending July 1st. When you look at new mortgage application volume year-over-year there was a total decrease of about 78%. Refinance application volume specifically dropped 8% from the previous week and made up 29.6% of total new applications.

 

  • The FHA share of mortgage application volume remained at 12% this week.
  • The VA share of mortage application volume decreased from 11.2% to 11.1% this week.

Easy Improvements to Boost Your Home Value

When sellers are getting ready to move on from their home they want to make sure they’re getting top value even in today’s market. Some home improvements could cost thousands and not provide the return that sellers are hoping for. Here are a few tips of things to do to increase your home’s value.

  • Increase Curb Appeal: According to a report from HomeLight the cost to upkeep landscaping provides a 267% return at the time of sale.
  • Replace Your Garage Door: According to multiple agent’s reports they have seen clients refuse to even enter a property because of the condition of a garage door. A relatively cheap replacement could make a huge difference.
  • Update the Kitchen: Typically one of the most important spaces for a family, updating the kitchen is an investment that you’ll see great returns on.
  • Remodel the Bathroom: Along with remodeling the kitchen, this fix may cost a good amount of money but you will see almost 55% of the money returned when you sell. If you plan on living in your home a while longer, investing in an updated kitchen and bathroom will give you more enjoyment in your home and you’ll be able to recoup a large portion of the money invested when you sell.

Mortgage Numbers Increase Last Week

According to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association mortgage application volume increased 4.2% in the week ending June 17th. Refinance volume specifically fell 3% during the same period making the year-over-year refinance application volume 77% lower than the same week ago last year. Refinance application volume made up only 29.7% of total applications last week.

 

  • The FHA share of total application volume increased to 12% from 11.8% the prior week.
  • The VA share of total application volume decreased to 10.7% from 11.7% the prior week.

Almost Half of All Homeowners Considered Equity Rich

As home prices continue to soar, the number of homeowners that are now considered “equity rich” has reached nearly 45%, a 13% increase year-over-year. For a homeowner to be considered equity rich they must have at least 50% equity in their home, which has become a much easier feat with rising home prices across the country. Idaho, Vermont, Utah and Washington had the highest rate of equity rich owners in Q1 of 2022. In the opposite case, only 3.2% of mortgaged homes were considered seriously underwater in the first quarter of 2022. Any homeowner owing 25% more than the current market value of their home is considered seriously underwater. Mississippi, Louisiana, and Wyoming had the highest level of mortgages considered seriously underwater. As home prices continue to rise as the back half of 2022 comes into sight, it’s expected that more and more homeowners will be considered equity rich going into 2023. By the same token it’s expected less homeowners will be considered seriously underwater on their mortgage.

First-Time Buyers Becoming Timid About Homebuying

Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index tracks the housing market and consumer confidence to either buy or sell a home. In April, this index reached 68.5 marking the lowest level in the index since May 2020. The index is made up of six components including whether or not consumers believe it’s a good time to buy or sell and whether or not mortgage rates will rise or fall. According to the survey 76% of consumers think it’s a bad time to buy a home. The largest portion of survey responders that answered this way were between the ages of 18 to 34, showing that an increase in interest rates is concerning to many first-time homebuyers. Also included in the survey are questions about a consumer’s employment and income outlook. 84% of consumers believed they had nothing to worry about in regard to losing their jobs, but only 26% of consumers were making more money than this time last year.

New Mortgage Volume Slips 1.2%

According to a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association, new mortgage application volume fell 1.2% for the week ending May 20th. Refinances made up 32.3% of total application volume, marking a 0.7% decrease from the previous week. As interest rates start to steady, it will be interesting to see the effect on new mortgage demand.

 

  • The FHA share of new mortgage applications increased to 11.3% this week.
  • The VA share of new mortgage applications fell to 10.4% this week.

Year-Over-Year Mortgage Applications are Down 55%

The week ending May 13th saw new mortgage application volume fall 11% according to a report from the Mortgage Bankers Assocation. Comparing new mortgage applications to this time last year, the total volume is down 55.8%, led by a 75.8% decrease year-over-year in refinance mortgage applications. Rates being much higher than this time last year has caused current homeowners who missed out on refinancing lain 2021 to be on the sideline right now. Purchase application volume is only down 15.2% from this time last year as many homebuyers are seeing the affordability of owning a home versus renting in today’s market even with higher interest rates.

 

  • The FHA share of total application volume increased from 10.5% to 11.1% last week.
  • The VA share of total application volume remained constant at 10.5% last week.

 

Application Numbers Lifted Last Week

In the week ending April 29th, mortgage application volume rose by 2.5% led largely by the 4.1% increase in purchase applications. The report by the Mortgage Bankers Association points to an increase in application volume across the board after a slow start to the spring season. Comparing this week’s numbers to last year, volume is down 49.7%, which comes mainly from the drop in refinance volume (falling 70.7%).

 

  • The FHA share of total mortgage application volume increased from 10.6% to 11.1% last week.
  • The VA share of total mortgage application volume increased from 10.2% to 10.3% last week.

Numbers Drop for New Mortgage Applications

According to a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage application volume fell 5% last week. This drop was paced by an 8% fall in refinance mortgage applications, marking a number 68% lower than this time last year. Purchase mortgage application volume was down 14% year-over-year. The average 30-year fixed interest rate is now 2% higher than this time last year, making it clear why we are seeing these application trends in today’s market.

 

  • The FHA share of total applications increased to 9.9% from 9.5% the week prior.
  • The VA share of total applications increased to 10.1% from 9.9% the week prior.