Rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan. Scoring a low mortgage rate is a top priority for many potential homebuyers, as owning a home has become increasingly less attainable. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), mortgage applications decreased 2.9% last week from the previous week, declining to their lowest level since December 1996. "Prospective buyers remain on the sidelines due to low housing inventory and elevated mortgage rates,” said Joel Kan, M