The latest reading for the mortgage applications shows a slight switch. Now the report shows that the applications that came in are for purchases and a smaller amount refinances. That is good news for the housing market in general. At least there is some purchases being contemplated.

Even so, the level of change needs to be a great deal higher for any real movement in the housing markets.

We can see from the chart below that not many are taking advantage of the low rates as is expected. Economists and the Central Bank are keeping interest rates low with the idea that it will spur demand. Perhaps it will, but not in housing just yet.