Mortgage rates are rising again, but homebuyers are trickling back

In an aerial view, two-story single family homes line the streets on Jan. 14, 2026 in Thousand Oaks, California. Kevin Carter | Getty Images Mortgage rates began climbing again last week, and that took a toll on refinance demand. Homebuyers, however, seem finally to be ready for the spring market. Total mortgage application volume fell 1.6% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. …