Quality Services.

April 24 2026

Mortgage applications surged last week, posting a strong rebound as declining rates and improving market sentiment drove broad-based gains. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 7.9% increase on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending April 17. Both refinance and purchase activity contributed to the increase, with the Refinance Index rising 6% from the previous week and standing 52% higher than one year ago. Purchase applications showed even stronger momentum, climbing 10% week over week and up 14% on an annual basis — a notable shift after recent softness. The improvement comes as mortgage rates moved lower, with the average 30-year fixed rate declining to 6.35% . The drop was driven in part by easing geopolitical tensions and lower oil prices, which helped stabilize financial markets and restore some borrower confidence. MBA’s Mike Fratantoni said, " Mortgage rates declined last week as financial markets responded positively to the Middle East ceasefire and the lower trend in oil prices… purchase application volume increased an even stronger 10 percent and was up 14 percent compared to last year’s pace. Despite the geopolitical uncertainty, housing demand is being supported by a still resilient job market, and homebuyers are experiencing a buyer’s market in most of the country… " Application composition shifted slightly away from refinancing, with refinance share decreasing to 44.2% from 45.5% the prior week. ARM share also declined to 8.0% . FHA share held steady at 18.2% , while VA share decreased to 15.0% and USDA share remained unchanged at 0.5% .

April 17 2026

Builder confidence fell sharply in April as rising costs and economic uncertainty weighed on sentiment heading into the spring buying season. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) dropped four points to 34 , its lowest level since September 2025. The decline marks a notable setback after modest gains in recent months, with sentiment remaining firmly below the breakeven level of 50 that separates positive from negative market conditions. All three major components of the index moved lower. The gauge of current sales conditions fell four points to 37 , while the index measuring future sales expectations dropped seven points to 42 . The component tracking prospective buyer traffic declined three points to 22 , reflecting continued softness in demand. “Builder sentiment has fallen back in spring as buyers face ongoing elevated interest rates and growing economic uncertainty,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens. He added that geopolitical risks and rising energy costs have further dampened confidence and slowed expected momentum in the housing market. NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz pointed to increasing pressure from higher fuel prices, noting that a majority of builders are seeing rising material costs as a result. He also highlighted that uncertainty around input costs is making it more difficult for builders to price homes, adding another layer of strain on the market.

April 17 2026

Mortgage applications ticked higher last week, reversing recent declines as easing rates provided a modest boost to activity. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 1.8% increase on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending April 10. Refinance activity led the gain, with the Refinance Index rising 5% from the previous week and now sitting 15% above year-ago levels. The increase follows a pullback in rates, which helped restore some borrower incentive after several weeks of weakening demand. Purchase activity remained soft, with the seasonally adjusted Purchase Index slipping 1% week over week. On an annual basis, purchase applications are down 3% , marking a second consecutive week of year-over-year declines as buyer hesitation persists. MBA’s Joel Kan said, " This dip in rates helped to support an increase in conventional refinance applications, which had declined for five consecutive weeks. Purchase activity remained subdued as potential homebuyers remained hesitant given the current economic uncertainty, which kept purchase applications below last year’s level for the second consecutive week..." Application composition shifted toward refinancing, with refinance share increasing to 45.5% from 44.3% the prior week. ARM share decreased slightly to 8.4% . FHA share fell to 18.2% , while VA share declined to 15.7% and USDA share held steady at 0.5% .