Tag Archives: Mike Fratantoni

“Both fiscal and monetary policies have contributed to the much higher level of mortgage rates in 2023,” said Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist and SVP for Research and Industry Technology for the MBA.

At the conclusion of Fed’s two-day July meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee moved to raise the base interest rate by 25 basis points, with all members voting in favor of the action.

As mortgage rates creep toward the 7% mark, the MBA reports a third straight week of waning interest in mortgage apps, with a lack of inventory playing a role in purchase app drop-off.

Continued low mortgage rates have not equated into a strong start to the spring homebuying season, as the MBA reports a decline in overall application volume after four consecutive weeks of increases.

As the fixed-rate mortgage fell to a near-five-month low, prospective buyers and those seeking refis brought life into the marketplace, boosting mortgage apps 27.9% over last week’s totals.

The MBA reports that, despite rates still in the 6% range, refinance apps increased 5% over the previous week—but are still 86% lower year-over-year.

The MBA reports that the downturn in mortgage rates has triggered homebuyer interest, as overall app volume has increased for the second consecutive week, and refinance activity rose 6% week-over-week.

This latest action by the Federal Reserve to raise rates is intended to remove money from the economy, reduce demand, and drive prices lower as inflation nears a 40-year high.

As mortgage rates rose for the 10th straight week, hitting a 21-year high, housing demand continues to tail off, with the MBA reporting overall app volume falling nearly 2% week-over-week.

The most recent outlook from the Mortgage Bankers Association expects total origination volume to decline nearly 10% next year. Click through to find what else the MBA is forecasting.