The biggest mortgage, lending and housing finance stories of 2022

The industry dodged a meltdown, but skyrocketing mortgage rates fueled a rush to “right size” and helped crown a new leader in mortgage lending. Continue reading

Homes could get more affordable even if prices don’t come down

Homebuyer affordability could improve by 9 percent by the end of next year if mortgage rates continue to fall and home prices plateau as expected, First American economist predicts. Continue reading

Bah humbug! Mortgage rates fall, but holidays curtail buyer demand

It’s a slow time of year for homebuying, so it’s not surprising to Mortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni that purchase applications didn’t jump last week. Continue reading

Fed slows rate hikes, but remains wary of entrenched inflation

Half a percentage point “is still a historically large increase and we still have some ways to go,” Fed Chairman Jerome Powell warns as policymakers wrap up final meeting of the year. Continue reading

Homebuyers take notice as mortgage rates continue to fall

Demand for purchase loans has increased in five out of the past six weeks, according to a weekly survey of lenders by the Mortgage Bankers Association released Wednesday. Continue reading

Purchase mortgage demand up 4th week in a row as rates fall

Without adjustment for seasonal factors, demand for both purchase loans and refinancing remains at their lowest levels since 2000, according to an MBA lender survey. Continue reading

Mortgage demand up for 3rd week in a row as rates continue to ease

Economists forecast mortgage rates will continue to fall as Federal Reserve minutes suggest policymakers are preparing to wind down an aggressive campaign to fight inflation. Continue reading

Homebuyer demand picks up again as mortgage rates retreat below 7%

While purchase loan applications were up 4 percent week over week, there’s still “very little refinance incentive with rates so much higher than last year,” MBA economist says. Continue reading