Mortgage applications

Last week's lukewarm results come after a two-year high in application activity.

Affordability improved for a fourth straight month, but questions remain about whether recent trends will bring a significant number of buyers into the housing market.

Purchase activity trudged along during what lenders describe as a traditional end-of-summer slump.

While the lock-in effect on existing supply has helped drive consumer interest in new construction, first-time buyers have been taking a greater share of that inventory.

While still historically low, some of the changes in the first quarter appeared "troubling" and warranted extra scrutiny, according to Aces Quality Management.

Refinance activity is up 127% year-over-year as interest rates dipped closer to 6%.

Steady purchase demand still led to a positive August according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Purchases managed a small rise, but refinance activity held steady, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Purchase applications last week fell to their lowest level since February, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported.

The FHA share of new-home loan applications also increased to a new record high, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.