Mortgage activity cooled again following the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate cut, showing that lower policy rates are not automatically boosting borrower demand.
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), total mortgage applications fell 3.8% for the week ending December 12, continuing a pattern seen after previous Fed rate cuts this year.
Rates Moved Higher After Fed Meeting
Although the Fed reduced its benchmark rate on December 10, mortgage rates edged higher in the days that followed. Investors appeared to interpret Fed comments as a sign that the current rate-cutting cycle may be nearing its end.
“Mortgage rates inched up last week after the FOMC meeting,” said Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s Senior Vice President and Chief Economist.
“As a result, mortgage applications declined slightly.”
Fratantoni also noted that application activity typically slows late in the year, which further weighed on weekly totals.
Weekly Application Volume Falls
MBA reported that its Market Composite Index, which tracks overall mortgage application volume:
- Fell 3.8% on a seasonally adjusted basis
- Dropped 5% on an unadjusted basis
Refinance activity made up a larger share of applications, even as overall demand dipped.
Refinance Activity Slips but Stays Elevated Year Over Year
The Refinance Index declined 4% from the prior week but remained 86% higher than the same week one year ago.
The purchase index showed mixed results:
- Down 3% week over week (seasonally adjusted)
- Down 7% unadjusted
- Still 13% higher than a year earlier
Refinances accounted for 59% of all applications, the highest share since September, reflecting limited movement in rates and cautious buyer behavior.
Loan Type Breakdown Shows Shifting Preferences
MBA data also highlighted changes in the mix of mortgage products:
- Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs): 7.2% of applications
- FHA loans: 19.5%, down slightly from the prior week
- VA loans: 16.6%, slightly higher
- USDA loans: 0.4%, up modestly
Borrowers continue to look for options that help manage monthly payments as affordability remains tight.
Mortgage Rates by Loan Type
MBA reported the following average contract rates:
- 30-year fixed (conforming):
- 6.38%, up from 6.33%
- Points increased to 0.62
- 30-year fixed (jumbo):
- 6.44%, down slightly from 6.46%
- Points increased to 0.41
- 30-year FHA loans:
- 6.12%, up from 6.08%
- Points rose to 0.82
- 15-year fixed:
- 5.72%, up slightly
- Points increased to 0.74
- 5/1 ARM:
- 5.63%, up from 5.51%
- Points fell to 0.35
Monthly Data Shows Better Trend for New Homes
While weekly data softened, monthly figures painted a more positive picture.
MBA’s Builder Application Survey (BAS) showed that applications for new home purchases:
- Rose 3.1% year over year in November
- Fell 7% compared with October
Fratantoni said increased housing supply is helping support demand.
“Mortgage rates have stayed in a narrow range, and inventories of both new and existing homes have grown,” he said.
“Buyers now have more choices, which is helping sales move forward.”
New Homebuyers Lean on FHA and ARMs
Affordability remains a major concern, especially for new construction buyers. MBA data shows:
- 37% of new homebuyers using a mortgage chose an FHA loan
- 24% opted for an ARM
These choices reflect ongoing efforts by buyers to stretch budgets and manage monthly costs.
What This Means Going Forward
The latest data shows that mortgage demand remains sensitive to rate movements and market expectations. Even with a Fed rate cut, higher mortgage rates and seasonal slowdowns continue to limit short-term activity.
However, rising inventory and steady annual gains in purchase activity suggest underlying demand is still present especially among buyers willing to explore flexible loan options. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
