Mortgage Rates and Market Impact - Mortgage rates have decreased, with the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.35%, down from 6.5% the previous week, marking the lowest since October 2024 [1] - The 15-year loan rate also fell to 5.5% from 5.6% [1] - The decline in mortgage rates is attributed to weak job market data, with only 22,000 jobs added in August, leading to a drop in 10-year Treasury yields [2] Borrower Demand and Applications - Lower mortgage rates have resulted in a significant increase in loan applications, with home purchase applications rising by 7% week-over-week and 23% year-over-year [3] - Refinance applications saw a 12% increase from the previous week and were 34% higher compared to the same period last year [3] - This surge in applications represents the strongest week of borrower demand since 2022, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association [4]