Mortgage Bankers Association

The increase in federally backed loan activity helped drive overall volumes upward for the first time since early February, even as interest rates jumped again, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

A week after it dropped to a 28-year low, purchase activity decreased again by over 5%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Volumes fell 18% compared to the previous week, while refinance activity also pulled back.

Average purchase sizes have increased each week this year, likely signaling greater buyer activity occurring toward the higher end of the market.

A decline in jumbo products led to overall tightening, as conforming and government-sponsored loan categories measured in the Mortgage Bankers Association's index were unchanged from December.

Refinances surged 18% compared to the prior week and purchases 3%, but growing loan amounts signal still-limited affordability.

Despite lower interest rates, both purchases and refinances declined after recent surges, while average loan amounts have gradually crept up to start the year.

Despite the significant annual increase, home buyers saw signs of affordability returning in the latter months of the year.

Volumes came in higher for purchases and refinances, as well as for both conventional and government products.

Both government and conventional activity have picked up to start the year, as higher conforming amounts came into effect.