Mortgage Services

Existing-home sales climbed modestly in September, rising 1.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million , according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Sales were also 4.1% higher than a year earlier as easing mortgage rates and better affordability began to lift demand. Even so, the market remains well below pre-pandemic norms as many owners stay put. “As anticipated, falling mortgage rates are lifting home sales,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Improving housing affordability is also contributing to the increase in sales.” Yun added that inventory levels are near a five-year high but remain below pre-COVID averages. “Many homeowners are financially comfortable, resulting in very few distressed properties and forced sales. Home prices continue to rise in most parts of the country, further contributing to overall household wealth.” Regional Breakdown (Sales and Prices, September 2025) Region Sales (annual rate) MoM Change Median Price YoY Change Northeast 490k +2.1% $500,300 +4.1% Midwest 940k -2.1% $320,800 +4.7% South 1.86m +1.6% $364,500 +1.2% West 770k +5.5% $619,100 +0.4%

Mortgage application activity edged lower last week, driven by purchases, but the decline was marginal compared to recent swings. According to MBA’s Weekly Applications Survey for the week ending October 17, total volume slipped 0.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis and 0.2% unadjusted. The Refinance Index rose 4% from the previous week and was 81% higher than the same week one year ago. The uptick was driven by a 6% increase in conventional refinances and a 12% jump in FHA refinances as borrowers capitalized on the lowest rates in a month. “The lowest mortgage rates in a month spurred an increase in refinance activity, including another pickup in ARM applications,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “The refinance index increased 4 percent, driven by a 6 percent increase in conventional refinances and a 12 percent increase in FHA refinance applications, as borrowers remain attentive to these opportunities to lower their monthly mortgage payment. VA refinances bucked the trend and were down 12 percent.” Purchase applications decreased 5% from the previous week on a seasonally adjusted basis and 5% unadjusted, but remained 20% stronger than a year ago. While activity has cooled from early-fall highs, demand remains resilient amid improving inventory and a more stable rate environment. The refinance share of mortgage activity increased to 55.9% of total applications from 53.6% the week prior. The adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share climbed to 10.8%. The FHA share rose to 21.8%, while the VA share declined to 13.5%.

Mortgage application activity declined again last week, though the drop was more moderate than the prior week’s pullback. According to MBA’s Weekly Applications Survey for the week ending October 10, total volume fell 1.8% on a seasonally adjusted basis and 2% unadjusted. The Refinance Index slipped 1% from the previous week but remains 59% higher than the same week one year ago. Refi activity has flattened out after September’s surge but continues to hold at elevated levels as some FHA borrowers take advantage of a rate gap of more than 10 basis points below conventional loans. “Mortgage rate movements were mixed last week, with the 30-year fixed rate decreasing slightly to 6.42 percent. Mortgage applications were lower than the week before, as conventional and VA applications saw declines,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “FHA applications saw a stronger week, and FHA refinance applications in particular increased 12 percent as the FHA rate stayed more than 10 basis points lower than the conventional fixed rate. Purchase applications declined for the third consecutive week but remained 20 percent ahead of last year’s pace as improving inventory conditions in certain markets continue to maintain homebuyer interest.” Purchase applications decreased 3% from the previous week on a seasonally adjusted basis and 2% unadjusted, but were still 20% stronger than a year ago. Activity continues to show resilience relative to last year’s depressed levels as buyers respond to slightly better inventory conditions.