Declining Mortgage Applications: Will Lower Rates Lead to Increased Housing Affordability and Inventory?

Despite a decrease in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to 6.93%, mortgage applications decreased last week according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The volume of mortgage applications was down by 0.7% for the week ending March 22, marking the second consecutive week of declines. Both loan applications for home purchases and refinancing were lower, with the Purchase Index showing a 16% decrease compared to the same week a year ago.

Joel Kan, MBA vice president and deputy chief economist, explained that homebuyers are waiting for mortgage rates to decrease further and for more homes to become available on the market. He anticipates that lower rates will eventually lead to more inventory becoming available as the lock-in effect diminishes. Kan also noted that the gradual reduction in mortgage rates may lead to rates moving closer to 6% by the end of the year, which could further impact the housing market.

Despite this decline in mortgage applications, there is optimism surrounding the potential for increased inventory and affordability in the housing market as interest rates continue to drop.