Homebuyer demand sags as mortgage rates continue to rise

With the Federal Reserve expected to begin tapering its purchases of mortgage-backed securities as soon as November, market forces are pushing mortgage rates higher.  Continue reading

With protections lifting, improvement in forbearance numbers slows

The numbers are headed in the wrong direction for loans that are backed by private lenders rather than the government, according to new survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association. Continue reading

Drop in mortgage rates not enough to spur homebuyers

Although rates eased for the most popular type of mortgage among homebuyers — the 30-year fixed-rate conforming loan — rates for jumbo mortgages, FHA loans and adjustable-rate mortgages were up slightly. Continue reading

Rising home prices may be crimping demand for purchase mortgages

Demand for purchase mortgages fell last week to the lowest level since May 2020, which could be a sign first-time homebuyers are getting squeezed out of the market. Continue reading

Bad jobs report could hold silver lining for housing

The Fed now has justification to keep a tight lid on interest rates. But some fear that if employers are forced to raise wages too quickly, that could spark inflationary pressures and spook bond investors. Continue reading

Purchase mortgage originations to hit a new record in 2021

The MBA announced Thursday at its Spring Conference and Expo 2021 that purchase originations are on track to grow 16.4 percent to a new record of $1.67 trillion in 2021. Continue reading