According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage rates moved higher last week from the week before. Rates were up across all loan categories, including 30-year fixed-rate loans with both conforming and jumbo balances, loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, 15-year fixed-rate loans, and 5/1 ARMs. As a result, demand for loans to buy homes slowed, dropping 1 percent from the previous week. Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and deputy chief economist, says interest in adjustable-rate mortgages has increased. “Purchase applications declined, as home buyers delayed their purchase decisions due to strained affordability and low supply,” Kan said. “The ARM share of applications increased to 7.6 percent, consistent with the upward trend in rates, as buyers look to reduce their potential monthly payments.” The MBA’s weekly survey has been conducted since 1990 and covers 75 percent of all retail residential mortgage applications. (source)
