The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly measures of nationwide home loan applications based on a sample of about 75% of U.S. mortgage activity.

Contrary to its name, the MBA Purchase Index does not measure the number of homes purchased or mortgage loans closed. Analysts consider the MBA Purchase Index to be a leading indicator of the housing market.

The MBA Purchase Index is a leading indicator of home sales by 4 to 6 weeks, meaning that it is a predictor of housing activity, though predictions may not prove accurate. Housing economists and homebuilders use the index to forecast new and existing home sales.

Lenders use it to measure whether they are getting enough applications given overall application activity. The index is also considered a leading indicator of mortgage prepayment, which is important for investors in mortgage-backed securities, including REITs.

The MBA Purchase Index is reported as a percentage increase or decrease from the previous week. The index changes seasonally since real estate activity is seasonal. Most housing market activity occurs from spring through fall, with a peak in the summer.

The relationship between the activity levels shown by the index and expected activity levels for the time of year tells analysts about the strength or weakness of the housing market.

The weekly reports on the MBA Purchase Index describe the factors that are influencing mortgage application activity, such as interest rates, home prices, credit availability and the number of all-cash homebuyers.

Because all-cash buyers make up a significant component of housing market activity, the MBA Purchase Index is said to understate housing market activity.

U.S. MBA Purchase Index

Release Date Time Actual Previous
Mar 22, 2017 16:30 - 240.3
Mar 15, 2017 16:30 240.3 235.0
Mar 08, 2017 17:30 235.0 231.0
Mar 01, 2017 17:30 231.0 216.9
Feb 22, 2017 17:30 216.9 223.1
Feb 15, 2017 17:30 223.1 233.7
Feb 08, 2017 17:30 233.7 229.6
Feb 01, 2017 17:30 229.6 243.2
Jan 25, 2017 17:30 243.2 229.4
Jan 18, 2017 17:30 229.4 241.9
Jan 11, 2017 17:30 241.9 228.0
Jan 04, 2017 17:30 228.0 232.9