housing construction, housing, getty
The American Enterprise Institute estimates 64% of homes sold by the largest homebuilders provide permanent mortgage rate buydowns, which often don't count as seller concessions
by Matt Carter Nov 13
Equifax cuts VantageScore 4.0 mortgage credit scores to $4.50
Once Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are ready to start accepting VantageScore 4.0, the algorithm will go head-to-head with the less inclusive FICO Classic score for conforming loans
by Matt Carter Oct 10
Pressure on mortgage rates eases as Trump pauses higher tariffs
Stocks rebounded and pressure on interest rates eased after Trump announced a 90-day pause on country-specific 'reciprocal tariffs' with the exception of 125% duties on China
by Matt Carter Apr 9
Fannie and Freddie will let more buyers off the hook for an appraisal
Appraisal waiver programs that rely on automated valuation models will be expanded next year to allow participation by homebuyers putting less than 20% down, with OK from federal regulator
by Matt Carter Oct 29
Biden proposes $5K tax credit for first-time buyers in SOTU address
The set of new housing initiatives also includes a 1-year tax credit of up to $10K to households that sell their starter home. NAR applauded the president's commitment to aiding the industry
Biden picks Sandra Thompson to lead Fannie and Freddie regulator
Questions about the future of the mortgage giants remain, but lending industry welcomes veteran regulator to lead FHFA
by Matt Carter Dec 14
Foreclosure watch: The 10 most at-risk US cities
Even as home values soar, many out-of-work homeowners are at risk of having their home foreclosed on due to missed payments
5 good reasons not to freak out over higher interest rates
Keep your cool throughout the homebuying process
by Steve Cook Jun 8
AEI warns: ‘Ignore problematic NAR data on first-time buyer activity’
Foreign wealth flows to US residential markets
For first time since NAR has tracked international buyers, Chinese have moved to No. 1 spot
by Octavio Nuiry Aug 18