Eyeing next refi boom, lenders plan to maintain or grow payrolls
Lending industry leaders surveyed by Fannie Mae see the lack of housing supply as the biggest risk factor in 2024, but most expect refinancing to pick up next year if rates continue to fall
by Matt Carter Jul 22
Big drop in mortgage rates fuels refis, but homebuyers unmoved
One issue for would-be homebuyers seeking jumbo mortgages is that rates haven't come down as dramatically as they have for conforming mortgages eligible for purchase by Fannie and Freddie
by Matt Carter Jul 17
‘It’s finally happening': Cooler inflation opens the door to rate cut
Overall inflation rose just 3% on an annual basis in June, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 10-year Treasury yield, an indicator of mortgage rates, plummeted on the news Thursday
by Taylor Anderson Jul 11
NAR chief economist predicts 6% mortgage rates. Is this the time?
NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun told CNBC he expects rates to settle around 6%, a prediction he’s made several times before. A look back at 2 years of his forecasts amid a chaotic economy
by Taylor Anderson Jul 11
FHA, VA requests drive pickup in purchase mortgage demand
Rates surged and then pulled back last week in what could foreshadow more election-year volatility in the months ahead. Powell tells Congress Fed will remain above the fray
by Matt Carter Jul 10
Mortgage rates retreating from 7% on 'massive' revision to jobs report
After spiking in the wake of the June 27 presidential debate, mortgage rates are trending down again on mounting expectations that the Federal Reserve will start cutting rates in September
by Matt Carter Jul 5
Homebuyer mortgage demand dips, breaking 3-week streak
Mortgage rates are on the rebound despite encouraging inflation data, as Fed policymakers stick to 'higher for longer' strategy until they see more conclusive evidence economy has cooled
by Matt Carter Jul 3
Mortgage rates surge as Trump's odds improve after debate
Investors who fund most mortgage loans weighed the impact of higher tariffs, tighter restrictions on immigration and an extension of 2017 tax cuts under a second Trump administration
by Matt Carter Jul 1
Prospects for lower mortgage rates grow as inflation continues to ease
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge fell to 2.56% in May, getting closer to the Fed's 2% target for the 2nd month in a row. Core inflation reading is lowest since March 2021
by Matt Carter Jun 28
Lower rates boost homebuyer demand for 3rd week in a row
Mortgage rates have been on the decline since late April, as closely watched data releases suggest the economy is cooling and that the Fed may start cutting rates as soon as September
by Matt Carter Jun 26
More listings, lower rates should boost 2025 sales: Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae on Friday slashed its 2024 forecast as a result of weak spring home sales, but listings are returning to the market and mortgage rates look poised to drop, according to new projections
by Matt Carter Jun 24
Homebuyers jump at lower mortgage rates, but will they last?
Purchase loan applications have surged for 2 weeks in a row, but rates for conforming mortgages are inching back up toward 7% this week as investors weigh the odds of Fed rate cuts
by Matt Carter Jun 20
Mortgage rates have more room to fall on 2 new economic reports
Key Fed inflation metric expected to drop June 28 following unexpected decline in May wholesale prices and jump in weekly jobless claims to 242K workers, highest level since August 2023
by Matt Carter Jun 13
Fed cool on rate cuts despite encouraging May inflation report
Policymakers now envision making just one rate cut this year, but investors who fund most mortgages are still betting the central bank will change its tune if inflation continues to ease
by Matt Carter Jun 12
Mortgage rates plummet as CPI report shows inflation cooling
Rates have returned to last week's levels, when applications for purchase loans leapt by 9% from the week before and refi applications surged by 28%, MBA lender survey shows
by Matt Carter Jun 12