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Associated Press

Lock Volume Rises 3.2% in April, Driven by Uptick in FHA Loans, Despite Economic Volatility

- Optimal Blue's April 2025 Market Advantage data report shows stronger purchase activity, a shifting loan mix, and signs of investor caution - PLANO, Texas, May 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its April 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report showing total loan lock volume rose 3.2% month-over-month (MoM) as the spring homebuying season progressed, with purchase locks up 7.5% despite ongoing economic pressures. April kicked off with significant volatility in the bond market as investors responded to tariff announcements. Over the first 10 days of the month, interest rates fluctuated between 6.48% and 6.98%, a 50-basis-point (bps) range. The benchmark OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate briefly fell below 6.5% for the first time since October 2024 before climbing to end the month at 6.7%, about 10 bps above where it started. 'Last month's report showed early signs of spring homebuyer activity, and April confirms the season is underway with a solid increase in purchase locks,' said Brennan O'Connell, director of data solutions at Optimal Blue. 'We also saw a shift toward FHA loans, often used by first-time or credit-challenged buyers, and away from non-conforming products, possibly reflecting investor caution in response to broader economic uncertainty.' Key findings from the Market Advantage report, derived from direct-source mortgage lock data, include: The full Market Advantage report, which provides more detailed findings and additional insights into U.S. mortgage market trends, can be viewed at (PDF): This month's Market Advantage podcast features Optimal Blue Chief Product Officer Erin Wester, discussing the impact of technological innovations in the mortgage industry. Watch or listen to the episode: About the Market Advantage Report Optimal Blue issues the Market Advantage mortgage data report each month to provide early insight into U.S. mortgage trends. Leveraging lender rate lock data from the Optimal Blue PPE – the mortgage industry's most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine – the Market Advantage provides a view of early-stage origination activity. Unlike self-reported survey data, mortgage lock data is direct-source data that accurately reflects the in-process loans in lenders' pipelines. Nothing herein shall be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice. About Optimal Blue Optimal Blue effectively bridges the primary and secondary mortgage markets to deliver the industry's only end-to-end capital markets platform. The company helps lenders of all sizes and scopes maximize profitability and operate efficiently so they can help American borrowers achieve the dream of homeownership. Through innovative technology, a network of interconnectivity, rich data insights, and expertise gathered over more than 20 years, Optimal Blue is an experienced partner that, in any market environment, allows lenders to optimize their advantage from pricing accuracy to margin protection, and every step in between. To learn more, visit MULTIMEDIA: Image link for media: Image caption: Optimal Blue's April 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report. NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue ### MEDIA ONLY CONTACT: (not for publication online or in print) Leslie W. Colley Depth for Optimal Blue [email protected] (678) 622-6229 ### Keywords: Mortgage, Optimal Blue, Market Advantage mortgage data report, FHA Loans, housing market, PLANO, Texas This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Optimal Blue) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126135 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.