Optimal Blue reported a sharp increase in refinance activity in January as falling mortgage rates spurred borrowers to act, according to its January 2026 Market Advantage data report released on Tuesday.

Total rate-lock volume rose 16% from December and was 36% higher than in January 2025. The increase was driven primarily by rate-and-term refinances, which jumped 50% month over month and were more than four times higher compared with January 2025.

Cash-out refinance activity also increased, rising 11% from December and 38% year over year.

Purchase lending showed more modest movement, rising 3% from December but remaining down 5% from a year details ⇒

BusinessMediaguide.Com portal received this content from this noted web source: HousingWire.Com