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

Realtor who tipped Pulte to Schiff loans now a witness [EXCLUSIVE]

Christine Bish, a Realtor in California’s Sacramento Valley, sent a trove of documents to FHFA Director Bill Pulte. Now the DoJ, FBI and FHFA want to know who else she’s talked to. Continue reading

Rising unemployment revives prospects for December rate cut

Fannie Mae forecasters are predicting mortgage rates will fall below 6 percent by the end of next year. Economists at the Mortgage Bankers Association don’t see rates coming down at all. Continue reading

DR Horton gets into AI mortgage tech with Tidalwave stake

In addition to participating in a $22 million Series A raise, D.R. Horton will be a Tidalwave customer, deploying its AI-powered platform across mortgage subsidiary DHI Mortgage in a “landmark mortgage tech deal.” Continue reading

This week was all about NAR: Inman’s Top 5 stories

Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers. Continue reading

‘I’d love to fire his ass,’ Trump says of Fed Chair Jerome Powell

The president jokingly told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that his job is also on the line if interest rates don’t come down, as poll shows inflation will be a key issue in 2026 midterm elections. Continue reading

Pulte’s role in mortgage fraud indictment under scrutiny

Attorneys for New York Attorney General Letitia James say FHFA Director Bill Pulte and three other Trump administration officials engaged in “outrageous conduct” to obtain baseless indictment against her. Continue reading

Don’t merge Fannie and Freddie, says their biggest investor

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman floats plan to relist mortgage giants on the New York Stock Exchange this year, but says it’s too soon for the government to sell any of its stake. Continue reading

Are 50-year mortgages an affordability fix or a time bomb?

This week on The Download, Inman contributors and staffers weigh in on the controversy surrounding President Trump’s 50-year mortgage idea. Continue reading