Low inventory a challenge to housing market as rates decline

Didier Malagies • April 5, 2023


Mortgage rates declined for the third consecutive week, sparking hope for a good homebuyers’ spring season. But while rates have dropped, the housing market has continued to be challenged by low inventory levels. 


Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed on Thursday that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.32% as of March 30, down 10 basis points from the previous week, mainly due to the economic uncertainty caused by bank collapses. The survey shows the same rate was 4.67% a year ago. 


“Over the last several weeks, declining rates have brought borrowers back to the market but, as the spring homebuying season gets underway, low inventory remains a key challenge for prospective buyers,” Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said in a statement. 


Altos Research data shows that the weekly inventory fell from 414,278 on March 17 to 413,169 on March 24. 

“As the prime spring buying season takes off and the best time to sell draws near, buyers will be looking for well-priced, ready-to-move-in homes,” Hannah Jones, Realtor.com’s economic data analyst, said in a statement. “Spring sellers should start getting their home ready for sale, keeping in mind that it took longer than expected to prep.”   


Surging rates ahead? 


Despite the week-over-week decline, mortgage rates started to tick up again over the last few days. 

At HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center, the Optimal Blue data shows the 30-year conforming mortgage rate at 6.44% on Wednesday, down from 6.47% the prior Wednesday. However, the same rate was 15 basis points higher compared to last Friday.


At Mortgage News Daily, rates were at 6.61% on Thursday afternoon, up one basis point from the previous closing and 23 bps from 6.38% compared to Friday. 


According to mortgage rate observers, investors pushed the 10–year Treasury yield up over the last few days as they shifted away from bonds to other options because the uncertainty in the financial sector waned. Mortgage rates, directly correlated to the U.S. treasuries, increased in the period.


“The 10-year yield has been stuck in a range for 2023, and as the crisis slowed down in terms of headlines, the bond market channel stayed in line,” Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst at HousingWire, said. 

“The spreads between the 10-year yield and the 30-year mortgage have gotten stressed due to the crisis. So, even though mortgage rates fell last week, they quickly reversed as the 10-year yield bounced higher this week,” Mohtashami added. 


Regional banks that suffered a liquidity crisis due to a deposit run have received help through a sale or a cash infusion. First Citizens Bank acquired Silicon Valley Bank, and Flagstar Bank assumed most deposits and certain assets of Signature Bridge Bank. In addition, 11 U.S. banks made $30 billion in deposits at First Republic Bank

On Thursday, the yield for the 10-year Treasury was at 
3.56%. Mohtashami’s forecast for 2023 is for the 10-year yield to remain between 3.21% and 4.25%, meaning mortgage rates should be between 5.75%- 7.25%, assuming the spreads were vast.





Have A Question?

Use the form below and we will give your our expert answers!

Reverse Mortgage Ask A Question


Start Your Loan with DDA today
Your local Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Broker Largo
See our Reviews

Looking for more details? Listen to our extended podcast! 

Check out our other helpful videos to learn more about credit and residential mortgages.

By Didier Malagies June 23, 2025
A Specific Power of Attorney (POA) for a mortgage closing is a legal document that allows one person (the principal) to authorize another person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on their behalf only for the purpose of completing a mortgage transaction—typically when the principal cannot be physically present at the closing. Key Points of How It Works: ✅ Purpose-Specific Authorization The document limits the agent’s authority strictly to the mortgage transaction, such as signing loan documents, the note, deed of trust, and other closing forms. It does not grant broad financial powers—only what’s specifically listed. ✅ Common Uses When the borrower is: Out of the country or state In the military Hospitalized or otherwise unavailable on closing day ✅ Lender and Title Company Approval Required The lender must approve the POA in advance. Some lenders are strict and may require the POA to be: Dated close to the closing date Notarized and possibly recorded The title company must also approve the document to ensure it's valid and complies with local regulations. ✅ Execution Requirements It must: Clearly describe the property address State the exact powers being granted (e.g., “to execute all documents required to close on the mortgage loan for [property address]”) Be notarized, and in some states, also witnessed Sometimes be recorded with the county clerk if it’s used to sign a deed or deed of trust ✅ Expiration Some are written to expire after a short period (e.g., 30 or 60 days), or immediately after closing. ✅ Revocation The principal can revoke it at any time before the closing by notifying the agent and any third parties relying on it (like the lender or title company) in writing. Example Scenario Suppose Jane is buying a home but will be overseas on the closing date. She signs a Specific POA authorizing her sister to sign all documents necessary to complete the mortgage transaction for the home at 123 Main St. The lender and title company review and approve the POA ahead of time. On the day of closing, Jane's sister signs the documents on her behalf, using the POA. tune in and learn at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog Didier Malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329 
By Didier Malagies June 16, 2025
Buying a condo is different from purchasing a single-family home, and it's important to understand the unique consid Here’s a simple and clear breakdown of how AI is making second mortgages easier for homeowners and lenders alike: 🔍 What Is a Second Mortgage? A second mortgage lets homeowners borrow against their home's equity, without replacing their existing mortgage. Common types: Home Equity Loan (lump sum) HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) 🤖 How AI Makes Second Mortgages Easier 1. Faster Approval Times AI streamlines credit, income, and property evaluations. Cuts days or weeks off traditional underwriting. 2. Smarter Risk Assessment Machine learning analyzes borrower profiles more accurately than standard models. Lenders can offer better rates to lower-risk borrowers. 3. Better Property Valuations AI-powered AVMs (automated valuation models) assess home value using up-to-date market data, photos, and even satellite imagery. 4. Chatbots & Virtual Assistants Available 24/7 to answer questions, guide users through the process, and gather documents. Reduces human error and friction for borrowers. 5. Fraud Detection AI systems detect unusual patterns in applications to flag potential fraud before approval. 6. Personalized Loan Offers Based on data from credit, home value, and income, AI can recommend the right loan product—tailored to the borrower’s needs. 🏡 Why It Matters for You Quicker access to cash Less paperwork More competitive offers Lower costs thanks to automation If you want, I can help you compare second mortgage options, estimate your equity, or show AI-powered lenders making waves in 2025. Just let me know! tune in and learn at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
By Didier Malagies June 12, 2025
The federal bill that seeks to eliminate abusive trigger leads took a major step forward this week, advancing in the U.S. House of Representatives and reigniting hopes across the mortgage industry that it could soon become law. Yes, that's an important development for the mortgage and consumer protection landscape. The federal bill to eliminate abusive trigger leads recently advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives , which is a significant step toward potentially becoming law. Here’s what this means: 🔍 What Are Trigger Leads? When a consumer applies for a mortgage and a credit inquiry is made, credit bureaus can sell that information to other lenders. These are known as trigger leads . While legal, they often result in a flood of unsolicited calls or offers from competing lenders — many of which may be misleading or aggressive. 🏛️ About the Bill The legislation seeks to ban or strictly limit the use of trigger leads unless the consumer explicitly consents. It aims to: Protect consumers from confusing or predatory offers . Curb misleading solicitations that impersonate the original lender. Improve privacy and control over a borrower’s financial data. 🏠 Industry Reaction The mortgage industry and consumer advocacy groups have largely welcomed the move, arguing that trigger leads: Cause consumer confusion. Undermine trust in legitimate lenders. Lead to identity theft or fraud in some cases. 📅 What’s Next? The bill now moves to the Senate , where it will need to pass before reaching the President’s desk. Industry stakeholders are pushing for bipartisan support, noting the broad agreement on consumer protection. 
Show More