FHA will back loans up to $1.249M in high-cost markets next year

Popular with first-time homebuyers, FHA loans have higher delinquency rates, and borrowers are more likely to end up underwater or in foreclosure when home prices fall. Continue reading

Fed patches a potential chink in armor protecting its independence

A vote to reappoint 11 of the Fed’s 12 regional bank presidents puts an end to speculation that Trump administration might try to unseat inflation hawks opposed to interest rate cuts. Continue reading

DoJ whiffs in third attempt to indict Trump nemesis Letitia James

Since the original charges against James were thrown out in November, the DoJ has reportedly tried and failed to obtain indictments from two different federal grand juries. Continue reading

Worries about the job market are bringing mortgage rates down

Initial unemployment claims hit highest level since September, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warns official data could be overestimating job creation by up to 60,000 jobs a month. Continue reading

Homebuyer demand stays strong as mortgage rates stabilize near 2025 lows: MBA lender surveys

With mortgage rates still hovering near 2025 lows, purchase loan applications hit their second-highest level of the year last week after adjusting for seasonal factors. Continue reading

Fed cuts rates for 3rd time in 2025, but might cut just once next year

The 9-3 split vote reflects differing views on whether the central bank’s biggest worry is inflation or rising unemployment, with data lagging after the government shutdown. Continue reading

Bayview merger positions Guild Mortgage for refinancing boom

As a sister company of Lakeview Loan Servicing, Guild would have an edge in contacting borrowers if mortgage rates fall and homeowners rush to refinance. Continue reading

Rep. Eric Swalwell sues Pulte, FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

One of four Democrats subjected to criminal referrals by Pulte, Swalwell claims FHFA director “exercises unchecked control” over the mortgage giants and has abused his position by scouring their databases to concoct unfounded accusations of mortgage fr… Continue reading

Homebuyers came out in force last week, and rates are trending down

Applications for purchase mortgages hit a seasonally adjusted 2025 high last week, with FHA, VA, and USDA applications for less pricey homes driving the surge. Continue reading

Fannie and Freddie cleared to back loans of up to $832,750 in 2026

The $26,250 increase in Fannie and Freddie’s baseline single-family conforming loan limit is the smallest since 2020, but pushes the ceiling in high-cost markets to $1,249,125. Continue reading