More Buyers Are Applying for Mortgages — Here’s Why That Matters

Source: HousingWire, “Why mortgage purchase apps are on a 22-week growth streak” by Logan Mohtashami

There’s some good news in the housing market that’s flying under the radar: More people are applying for mortgages — and they’ve been doing it steadily for 22 weeks straight. In fact, we’ve seen 9 weeks in a row of double-digit growth in mortgage applications compared to last year.

If that sounds surprising, it’s because most media headlines have been focused on the tough stuff: high prices, interest rates, and affordability concerns. But according to HousingWire, we’re finally seeing signs that buyers are getting back in the game — even though mortgage rates are still in the mid-6% range.

So, what’s driving this?

• Mortgage rates have come down from their peaks and stayed steady in recent months.

• More homes are being listed for sale compared to last year.

• And most importantly — many sellers are also buyers. When more people list their homes, they also start shopping for new ones.

We’re still not at the red-hot levels of a few years ago, but we’re now seeing activity similar to 2014 — a time when the market was stable and moving forward.

What to watch: Tariff talks could shake things up.

HousingWire also pointed out something worth paying attention to: new U.S. tariffs may be coming next month, affecting over 100 countries. If that happens, it could impact mortgage rates and stock markets. When uncertainty hits the broader economy, it tends to affect home loans and housing affordability, too.

💡 What this means for you:

• If you're thinking about buying, you're not alone — activity is picking up, and more listings are hitting the market.

• If you're on the fence about selling, buyer demand is building, and this could be a good window before rates change again.

• If you're a real estate watcher, keep an eye on tariffs and Fed news over the next few weeks.

Got questions about what this means for you in Central Florida? Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or just stay informed — I’m here to help.