Trump’s mortgage bond promise already bringing rates down

Although $200 billion sounds like a lot of money, the impact and longevity of Fannie and Freddie’s bond purchases on mortgage rates won’t be as big as the Federal Reserve’s. Continue reading

Pulte pledges Fannie, Freddie’s help in curbing home purchases by institutional investors

Trump’s promise to “ban” large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes renews the debate over whether such a move would be legal — or make much of a dent on affordability. Continue reading

Compass set to close Anywhere merger Friday after shareholders approve deal

Compass also plans to offer up to $862.5 million in convertible senior notes in a private offering after 99 percent of Compass and 72 percent of Anywhere shares were cast in favor of merger. Continue reading

Homebuyer demand sags as mortgage rates stay range bound

Applications for purchase mortgages drops for a fifth consecutive week to the lowest level since October, as mortgage rates continue to hover above 6 percent. Continue reading

Newrez bets on AI with strategic investment in startup HomeVision

The top five lender and loan servicer says it’s already using HomeVision’s AI technology to evaluate collateral and will expand its capabilities to create an automated end-to-end underwriting platform, including income, assets and credit. Continue reading

Fannie, Freddie regulator vows to protect consumers from rising credit report fees

FHFA Director Bill Pulte’s tweet dented Equifax, Experian and TransUnion shares as the MBA renewed calls to do away with tri-merge reporting. Continue reading

First Federal grows mortgage biz with NOLA Lending acquisition

The Florida-based thrift expands its retail mortgage operations into Louisiana and Mississippi, and will keep most of NOLA Lending Group’s employees and brand identity. Continue reading

Mortgage originator fined $31K, loses license in 19 states

The settlement resolves allegations that someone else took pre-licensing and continuing education courses that Colorado-based loan officer claimed credit for. Continue reading

FHA builds record reserves against a gathering storm of delinquencies

With delinquencies and debt-to-income ratios on the rise, the Trump administration is lifting foreclosure restrictions and eyeing tighter underwriting requirements for borrowers with multiple risk factors. Continue reading

He’s been at the MBA and Fannie Mae. Here’s who he thinks has the better 2026 mortgage forecast

Economist Doug Duncan weighs in on the challenges facing economic forecasters today, cutbacks in economic reports produced by Fannie and Freddie, Fed independence, and more. Continue reading