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Mortgage Applications Continue Lackluster Trend

Mortgage Applications Continue Lackluster Trend

Michael Jensen, Mortgage and Finance Guru
, Mortgage and Finance Guru
Edited by Harry Jensen

At FREEandCLEAR, we follow the Bankers’ Association (MBA) mortgage applications index which measures both purchase and refinance applications for mortgage lenders across the country.  An increase in the MBA applications index reflects an increase in mortgage applications while a decrease in the index reflects a decline in mortgage applications.  Mortgage application activity for the week ended September 26th, 2014 was relatively flat, continuing the overall lackluster trend observed over the past quarter.

For the week ended September 26th, the purchase application index was unchanged as compared to the prior week.  The refinance application index declined a modest .3% as compared to the prior week. The composite index, which includes both purchase and refinance mortgage applications, declined .2% as compared to the prior week.  In total, mortgage application activity held steady as compared to the prior week, consistent the recent general trend showing flat-to-declining mortgage applications.  The decline in the index is attributed to a cooling housing and refinancing market after years of strong performance.  On the positive side, interest rates declined slightly for the week although this did not have an immediate impact on mortgage applications.  (Source: Bloomberg)

What it Means for Borrowers

Borrowers welcomed the slight decrease in interest rates after a slight increase in rates over the past several weeks.  Additionally, the longer the mortgage market remains lackluster, the more aggressive lenders will become for borrowers’ mortgage business.  Always remember to compare multiple lenders when shopping for a mortgage or refinancing.  Borrowers can use increased lender competition to their advantage by negotiating better terms for their mortgage such as a lower interest rate or reduced closing costs.  Check out the COMPARE LENDERS feature on FREEandCLEAR to review interest rates and fees for multiple lenders in your area.

The FREEandCLEAR Mortgage Expert

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Current Mortgage Rates in Ashburn, Virginia as of March 28, 2024
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Rate data provided by RateUpdate.com. Displayed by ICB, a division of Mortgage Research Center, NMLS #1907, Equal Housing Opportunity. Payments do not include taxes or insurance premiums. Actual payments will be greater with taxes and insurance included. Read through our lender table disclaimer for more information on rates and product details.
About the author
Michael Jensen, Mortgage and Finance Guru

Michael is the co-founder of FREEandCLEAR. Michael possesses extensive knowledge about mortgages and finance and has been writing about mortgages for nearly a decade. His work has been featured in leading national and industry publications. More about Michael

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