“Purchase activity remained subdued as potential homebuyers remained hesitant given the current economic uncertainty,” said Joel Kan, a vice president and deputy chief economist at the MBA.

BofA's originations of first mortgages increased by 42.7% on an annual basis in the first quarter of 2026.

Agency MBS issuance declined on a quarterly basis in the first quarter of 2026 while non-agency MBS issuance hit the highest level since the financial meltdown of 2007.

Both JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo increased their mortgage originations by more than 40% on an annual basis in the first quarter of 2026.

To limit home price appreciation, the administration is working to sharply increase the supply of homes for sale, particularly newly built homes.

“Lower consumer confidence and softer job growth continue to hold back buyers,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist at NAR.

Locks for conforming mortgages lost market share to FHA loans and nonconforming mortgages in March, according to Optimal Blue.

About six in 10 parents have provided or plan to provide financial assistance to help their child buy a home, according to a new survey released by Veterans United Home Loans.

Purchase-mortgage volume in agency MBS issued in the first quarter of 2026 was essentially flat compared with the first quarter of 2025.

Locks for purchase mortgages increased by 22.9% on a monthly basis in March, according to Mortgage Capital Trading.