Rate-and-term refi activity hits 2025 high mark
Falling interest rates led to a rush in refinancing, but slowing purchase activity brought a decline in overall lock volumes, according to Optimal Blue.
Originations
Buyers gain hope on rates, sellers turn cautious
While August's views on buying conditions and rates increased over July, the other components in Fannie Mae's sentiment index all declined, driving it lower.
Black homeowners lose ground as job losses mount
Black homeownership fell to 43.9% this summer, its lowest since 2021, as rising unemployment and federal layoffs widened housing gaps across demographics.
Mortgage rates sink with FOMC cuts on the horizon
The 30-year conforming fixed rate mortgage ended this week at its lowest since last Oct. 17, helped by bond traders pricing in a reduction in short-term rates.
U.S. homeownership falls for first time since 2016
As Washington weighs a national housing emergency, U.S. homeownership has slipped year-over-year, according to Redfin.
Mortgage application activity decreases despite lower rates
A pickup in refinances was offset by the first pullback in purchases in four weeks in the run-up to Labor Day, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Higher mortgage rates slow refi application volume
The increase in purchase volume was not enough to offset the drop in refinance application submissions as conventional rates increased week-over-week.
Chase formally reenters HELOC business after five years
The bank "temporarily" paused home equity line of credit lending in April 2020, over concerns regarding the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mortgage-Treasury spread at narrowest point in three years
While still higher than the norm, the reduction in this spread is good news when it comes to mortgage rates for potential homebuyers as well as current owners.
Underwriting errors push loan defects higher
Lagging tech adoption, issues with credit, and originators' rush to close refinances earlier this year contributed to deterioration, a study found.
Fannie Mae cuts outlook for 2025–26 home sales
Fannie Mae economists toned down their housing and economic outlook in August, predicting fewer home sales and less mortgage origination volume versus July.
Mortgage rates move lower on inflation, employment news
The 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell by 5 basis points, with the Consumer Price Index showing muted inflation and jobs data still influencing the market.
Jumbos, ARMs drive uptick in credit availability
July's growth in products correspond with a noticeable rise in new applications for adjustable-rate mortgages as borrowers respond to recent rate movements.
Weak jobs data boosts odds of mortgage rate drop
Employment came in below estimates, which some economists expect could move the bond market in ways that affect loan costs even before the Fed meets next.
Why mortgage rates are trapped in a narrow range
The 30-year fixed rate stayed within a narrow range throughout most of July, with forecasts likely to leave the housing market "stuck," said one economist.
Average mortgage payment dips, easing buyer strain
New homebuyers found mortgages more affordable last month amid growing supply and softer prices nationwide, new data from the MBA finds.
By
Jarrod Barry
Home equity products set to grow in 2025, 2026, study finds
As high interest rates make refinancing impossible for many homeowners, increasing numbers of them are turning to HELOCs and home equity loans for cash.
By
Jarrod Barry
Private flood insurance growing as federal coverage recedes
Numbers on use and performance point to potential for nonpublic insurers to take on a greater role but also suggest there are limits to it, Fitch Ratings found.
Fannie Mae cuts rate forecast, raises volume outlook
Fannie Mae also foresees more home sales than it did in June, but the Mortgage Bankers Association reduced its origination projections for 2025.
HEI platform Unlock receives $250M in capital support
The agreement with D2 Asset Management doubles the firm's previous commitment to Unlock, as current economic trends provide momentum for the growing sector.
Load More
Couldn’t load more articles. Try again.