Purchase applications have been somewhat soft to start off? 2019.? Higher mortgage rates and low inventory of homes have been much of the cause.? Also, January is typically a slower month for purchase loans simply because, hey, who wants to move in January???? However, because of the slowing market, sellers should start to lower their prices.? This softening of house price appreciation along with increasing inventory of homes on the market as builders ramp up construction should give a boost to the spring home buying season.