Home buying demand skyrocketed during the pandemic as interest rates collapsed and an influx of Americans started working from home. However, the Fed’s rate hikes have quickly spurred a reversal. Mortgage originations jumped from $2.3 trillion in 2019 to more than $4 trillion in 2020 and 2021, but demand has since plummeted to the lowest level in more than two decades.

“Rates are significantly higher than they were a year ago, which is why applications for home purchases and refinances remain depressed,” says Joel Kan of the Mortgage Bankers Association. “Purchase activity is hamstrung by ongoing affordability challenges and low inventory, and homeowners still have reduced incentive to apply for a refinance.”

Share this:
Mark Danforth Lomas

Recent Posts

Curious California Real Estate Factoids for 2025

 March 19, 2025: Home sales are down in California, and prices are rising, with a…

5 days ago

Southern Santa Barbara Real Estate March Overview

Southern Santa Barbara, stretching from Carpinteria to Gaviota, offers a unique blend of coastal charm…

6 days ago

“Live” Santa Barbara Real Estate Statistics

The southern Santa Barbara's real estate market offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic interplay…

2 weeks ago

Southern Santa Barbara Real Estate Insights

In 2024 the southern Santa Barbara real estate market saw a 16% increase in inventory.…

1 month ago

Lights, Camera, Santa Barbara Film Festival!

The 40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival is rolling out the red carpet Tuesday,…

2 months ago

Santa Barbara Real Estate Insights

The Santa Barbara real estate market in 2025 is quite dynamic and continues to attract…

2 months ago