After banner year, mortgage brokers seek more political clout
The Association of Independent Mortgage Experts, a trade group representing mortgage brokers, launched a PAC and more than doubled its spending on lobbying in 2022
by Matt Carter Dec 30
The biggest mortgage, lending and housing finance stories of 2022
The industry dodged a meltdown, but skyrocketing mortgage rates fueled a rush to 'right size' and helped crown a new leader in mortgage lending
by Matt Carter Dec 28
Homes could get more affordable even if prices don't come down
Homebuyer affordability could improve by 9% by the end of next year if mortgage rates continue to fall and home prices plateau as expected, First American economist predicts
by Matt Carter Dec 27
Bah humbug! Mortgage rates fall, but holidays curtail buyer demand
It's a slow time of year for homebuying, so it's not surprising to Mortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni that purchase applications didn't jump last week
by Matt Carter Dec 21
Improved mortgage rate outlook could bode well for home sales
Fannie Mae economists not quite as gloomy about 2023 home sales outlook as mortgage rates retreat from 2022 highs and with potentially more room to ease
by Matt Carter Dec 19
Homebuyers have appetite for down payment assistance info, Zillow says
Zillow revealed Thursday that 1M users have queried its Down Payment Resource database since the real estate search portal partnered with the data provider a year ago as home prices soared
by Matt Carter Dec 15
Fed slows rate hikes, but remains wary of entrenched inflation
50 basis points 'is still a historically large increase and we still have some ways to go,' Fed Chairman Jerome Powell warns after policymakers wrap up final meeting of the year
by Matt Carter Dec 14
Homebuyers take notice as mortgage rates continue to fall
Demand for purchase loans has increased in 5 out of the past 6 weeks, according to a weekly survey of lenders by the Mortgage Bankers Association released Wednesday
by Matt Carter Dec 14
Reduced refi fears could help ease pressure on mortgage rates
Mortgage investors have been demanding higher yields because of fears of prepayment risk if the loans they're funding now are refinanced when rates fall
by Matt Carter Dec 13
Surveys show impact of mortgage 'lock-in effect' on seller psychology
Harris Poll: 71% of Americans would be hesitant to move due to economic uncertainty over concerns such as interest rates, inflation or a recession
by Matt Carter Dec 8
Homebuyer sentiment up slightly in November for first time in 9 months
Fannie Mae's National Housing Survey shows consumers remain concerned about factors, including the outlook for home price declines, mortgage rates and access to mortgage credit
by Matt Carter Dec 7
Home price declines leave 450,000 borrowers underwater
Six out of 10 borrowers who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth bought or refinanced their homes in 2022, according to the latest Black Knight Mortgage Monitor
by Matt Carter Dec 5
Tomo enters 5 new states, launches real-time preapproval process
After laying off workers in May, Tomo is in expansion mode again with launches in Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington D.C.
by Matt Carter Dec 1
Redfin economist: 'We're going to have pain' while high inflation lasts
Daryl Fairweather also said during her Yahoo Finance appearance that 'demand is very weak' as both homebuyers and sellers take a breather from the housing market
by Jim Dalrymple II Nov 30
Purchase mortgage demand up 4th week in a row as rates fall
Without adjustment for seasonal factors, demand for both purchase loans and refinancing remains at their lowest levels since 2000, according to MBA lender survey
by Matt Carter Nov 30