Mortgages

May's falling interest rates as well as ongoing wage growth helped improve home affordability across borrowing segments and racial groups, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

A gauge of contract signings from the National Association of Realtors decreased 2.1% to 70.8 last month, the lowest reading in data going back to 2001, the group said Thursday.

But economists seem to differ on what the latest movement in mortgage rates means for the summer home sales business.

Finance of America has $350 million of notes coming due next year and wants to trade them for $200 million of secured debt coming due in 2026 and $150 million maturing in 2029.

The pace of growth is more than double the recent historical average, adding further affordability hurdles for some homeowners.

Across the country over the past two years, the share of homes affordable to a first-time home buyer has fallen to 29% from 34% in 1Q23 and 45% in 1Q22, First American Financial said.

New York Mortgage Trust's 9.125% notes due 2029 may help fund new purchases of mortgages and securitizations in the private or agency markets.

Almost two-thirds of those aged 55 or over said they are sentimental about the house they have occupied long-term.

The sales pace is now at the low end of the range seen over the past year, suggesting limited momentum amid a lack of affordability.

Borrowers in the government-purchase market returned to the table in greater numbers, as rates declined, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.