Tag Archives: purchase apps

According to a new Redfin report, new listings have ticked up, but near-8% mortgage rates are causing many potential homebuyers to retreat, as purchase applications remain near their lowest level in nearly 30 years.

Redfin's latest housing market update showed that the total share of homes on the market is down nearly 18% year-over-year, representing the biggest decline since February 2022. A significant lack of homes for sale caused home prices to rise nearly 5% annually, as mortgage-purchase applications remain at their lowest level in nearly three decades.

“Applications for purchase loans on newly constructed homes remained strong in July, up 36% annually, as new homes continued to account for a growing share of homes available for sale,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist.

According to a new report from Redfin, near-7% mortgage rates continue to prevent both would-be homebuyers and potential home sellers from entering the market, despite the construction of new single-family homes nearing their highest level in almost 20 years.

While mortgage rates fell for a third consecutive week, limited supply and continued affordability issues are handcuffing prospective buyers, as overall mortgage activity rose just 0.5% over last week’s total.

“Applications for purchase loans were up on a monthly basis and increased annually for the fourth consecutive month," said Joel Kan, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist. "Our estimate of new home sales also jumped in May, up 16% to the fastest pace of new home sales in 15 months.”

Overall mortgage application volume declined week-over-week, as the pool of borrowers left are losing the incentive to refinance.