Mortgage rates ease on benign December inflation report

Investors bid up shares of mortgage lenders and real estate companies after “relatively benign” CPI report ends speculation that inflation worries might force the Fed to raise rates this year. Continue reading

RE/MAX’s Motto Mortgage office count contracted again in Q4

After four consecutive quarters of declines, Motto Mortgage had 225 open offices at the end of 2024, down 8 percent from last year’s peak of 246. Continue reading

Nation’s biggest mortgage lender, UWM, jumping on AI bandwagon

Although it’s a wholesaler that doesn’t work directly with consumers, UWM has rolled out AI tools this year to help mortgage brokers serve both homebuyers and homeowners who might benefit from refinancing. Continue reading

Homebuyers get a break as big lenders redefine ‘jumbo mortgage’

CrossCountry Mortgage joins Rocket, Pennymac, UWM and Rate in raising conforming loan limit above current $766,550 cap for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ahead of an official announcement. Continue reading

UWM and Rate join the $802K conforming loan limit party

With prices rising, it’s becoming standard operating procedure for big lenders like Rocket to help homebuyers avoid jumbo loan pricing by getting a jump on FHFA’s official announcement. Continue reading

Gains and losses amid market shifts: Q2 2024 earnings

The Q2 earnings are in: From Zillow’s revenue boost to RE/MAX’s struggles, Jessi Healey breaks down who’s up and who’s down. Continue reading

RE/MAX’s Motto Mortgage office count is shrinking for first time

Franchise sales have slowed, and some existing franchisees have canceled their agreements, but Motto Franchising President Ward Morrison expects growth to resume when lending picks up. Continue reading

UWM shares at 3-year high on prospect of refi ‘mini boom’

In Q2 earnings, the nation’s largest mortgage lender posted a healthy $76 million profit, paid down debt, and said it’s in prime position to capitalize and grow as mortgage rates drop. Continue reading

Freddie Mac will dip a $2.5B toe into the second mortgage market

Modest pilot program approved by federal regulators was opposed by banks who have traditionally provided most home equity loans. Nonbank lenders have already made inroads into the business. Continue reading