Mortgage Rates and Loan Applications Have a Volatile July

Both mortgage rates and loan applications have seen big up and down swings over the first few weeks of July.

Earlier in the month, mortgage interest rates fell and continued to be on a downward trend. On July 10^th, the rates fell to 4.04 percent. However, the past weeks since then have given a sense that mortgage rates may once again be trending up. This week, mortgage rates hit their highest level since October of 2014—hitting 4.09% this week. For now, its clear that at the very least, mortgage rates have been volatile and should be watched closely over the follow weeks to get a better sense of where they may be heading.

According to the sources listed below, events and turmoil in both China and Greece directly affected yields on US Treasury Securities. Rates rose during this time, but the Fed may still hold back from raising interest rates in light of turmoil abroad.

Mortgage applications have also been volatile as buyers have mirrored interest rates closesly. In a July 8^th article, mortgage applications had risen 4.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis but by July 10^th, those numbers had already fallen by 1.9% again. On the bright side, although the numbers may be volatile in 2015, total mortgage volume still remains 22% higher than a year ago and total home purchase volume is up by 17 percent.

Any buyer looking at homes right now will want to keep a good watch over mortgage rates so s/he can take advantage of the lowest available rates. They seem to be moving up and down quickly—so buyers will want to make sure they don’t settle for a loan with higher rates than average.

Sources: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2015/07/17/mortgage-rates-set-new-high-for-year

http://www.realtor.com/news/mortgage-interest-rates-rise-to-highest-level-of-the-year/

http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2015/07/15/loan-demand-remains-volatile

http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2015/07/10/relief-in-mortgage-rates-likely-stick-around

http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2015/07/08/slip-in-rates-lifts-mortgage-demand