Mortgage applications up nationwide again

Mortgage applications nationwide rose for a second consecutive week last week, according to an industry trade group. The Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage application activity for the week ended July 7 increased 1 percent from the week before. more [USA Today]
This rise in applications comes as mortgage rates fall. The average rate on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.74 percent for the week ending July 13, according to Freddie Mac, the first drop in five weeks. more [CNN/Money]