2/28: MetroIntelligence Economic Update by P. DUFFY

Pending home sales rose 5.2 percent in January and 5.7 percent year-on-year

The Pending Home Sales Index grew 5.2% to 108.8 in January. Year-over-year contract signings increased 5.7%. An index of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001.

https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/pending-home-sales-ascend-5-2-in-january

 

January new home mortgage applications up 40.0 percent from December and 35.3 percent year-on-year 

Mortgage applications for new home purchases in January increased 35.3 percent compared from a year ago. Compared to December 2019, applications increased by 40.0 percent.

https://www.mba.org/2020-press-releases/february/january-new-home-purchase-mortgage-applications-increased-353-percent

 

Mortgage applications edge up 1.5 percent as rates dip four basis points

The Market Composite Index increased 1.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier, with purchase loans rising 6.0 percent (and up 10.0 percent year-on-year) and refinance activity falling 1.0 percent (but up 152 percent year-on-year). The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 3.73 percent from 3.77 percent.

https://www.mba.org/2020-press-releases/february/mortgage-applications-increase-in-latest-mba-weekly-survey-x262683