Mortgage rates

Median home sale prices in the Bay Area dipped ever-so-slightly in March, marking the end of a record-breaking seven-year streak as even high salaries and low-interest rates failed to entice buyers into the country's most expensive market.

Mortgage rates dipped after four weeks of increases, finally mirroring the drop in the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield, according to Freddie Mac.

Millennials closed mortgage loans at their fastest pace in four years as lower interest rates pushed up purchasing power and incentivized them to pull the trigger, according to Ellie Mae.

Mortgage applications decreased 4.3% from one week earlier although concerns over the global economy resulted in falling interest rates, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Military service members are a crucial market segment for lenders because they are younger than other demographics and a steady group of borrowers unfazed by independent economic concerns.

Freddie Mac increased its origination forecast for 2019 by nearly 4% from last month as lower interest rates will result in more borrowers refinancing than previously expected.

Contract signings to purchase previously owned homes rebounded in March by more than forecast for the second gain in three months, adding to signs of stabilization in the housing market.

Growing wages combined with flat mortgage rates handed homebuyers' increased affordability with a 2.4% boost in purchasing power for February, according to First American Financial Corp.

Mortgage rates are low, the job market is on fire and, in a mysterious disconnect, Palm Beach County, Fla., home sales lagged again in March.

Mortgage rates posted a fourth consecutive week of increases, but Freddie Mac remains bullish in its outlook for this spring's home purchase season.

Purchase mortgage applications, which until now were unaffected by the recent rise in interest rates, fell by 4% on a seasonally adjusted basis from last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Sales of new homes unexpectedly rose in March, climbing to a 16-month high to cap the first quarter with a third straight increase that reflects a boost from lower borrowing costs.

Homebuilder stocks are slipping after sales of previously owned homes fell more than forecast in March and KBW cut its rating on D.R. Horton shares.

After a strong February, existing-home sales took a U-turn in March. While buyer conditions heat up and mortgage rates remained low, consumers took a patient approach — especially in the expensive West Coast markets.

If favorable interest rates and rising consumer incomes continue, market potential for home purchases will be boosted in the short term, according to First American Financial.

Sales of previously owned homes eased more than forecast in March, suggesting the housing market is still finding its footing after a weak 2018.

New-home construction unexpectedly fell in March, decelerating to the slowest pace since May 2017 and suggesting builders remain wary even as lower mortgage rates and steady wage gains offer support to consumers.

Economic growth will slow in 2019, but conditions will help home sales hold steady, with mortgage volume now being projected to rise over 2018, according to Fannie Mae.

Steady interest rates could lift the housing market going forward, but for now there is an ongoing slump in single-family home construction authorizations along with maintenance and remodeling activity, according to BuildFax.

Mortgage rates rose for the third consecutive week, but home purchases are up as well, to their highest level in nine years, according to Freddie Mac.