Optimal Blue report: October lock volume holds second-highest level in three years

- Seasonal cooling offset by resilient refinance demand and rising agency MBS executions -

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its October 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, showing that rate-lock activity remained strong despite seasonal cooling and continued to outpace last year’s levels. Total lock volume fell 4.2% month over month (MoM) from September’s peak but was still up 18% year over year (YoY) as borrowers responded to improving affordability and narrower rate spreads.

Purchase locks declined just 1.5% in October, in line with typical seasonal patterns, while refinance lending remained a key driver of activity. Rate-and-term refinances fell 14% from September but stayed up 143% YoY, and cash-out refinances rose 6% MoM and 2