Mortgage rates just hit a new 2025 low. They might be stuck there.

MBA forecasts rates will probably stay right where they are now in 2026, as investors have already priced in future Fed rate cuts. But look for three years of steady growth in home sales ahead. Continue reading

2025 a banner year for mortgage deregulation and legislation

“We don’t just have a seat at the table,” Mortgage Bankers Association CEO Bob Broeksmit told members in Las Vegas. “We’re near the head of the table — and we’re speaking loud and clear.” Continue reading

Rocket Mortgage rolls out bullish $822,550 conforming loan limit

The 2.4 percent increase ahead of an official announcement in November surpasses more cautious 1.5 percent increases adopted last month by UWM, Pennymac, CrossCountry and Rate. Continue reading

Mortgage rates ebb as Powell hints at end of ‘quantitative tightening’

Fed chair dismisses suggestion that central bank could resume its purchases of mortgage-backed securities to bring down mortgage rates and improve housing affordability. Continue reading

Equifax cuts VantageScore 4.0 mortgage credit scores to $4.50

Once Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are ready to start accepting VantageScore 4.0, the algorithm will go head-to-head with the less inclusive FICO Classic score. Continue reading

Shutdown slowing FHA, VA approvals; USDA loans are on hold

The FHA’s Office of Single Family Housing and some of its mortgage insurance programs are “operational but with limited services,” HUD said in bulletin to lenders. Continue reading

Trump’s Fannie, Freddie public offering might not have much impact on mortgage rates

If the government keeps tight control over the mortgage giants and provides an “implicit guarantee” of their debt, rates might rise by 1/5 of a percentage point, Stanford researchers conclude. Continue reading

Credit bureaus slam plan to cut them out of FICO score pricing

Lending industry groups and FHFA director Bill Pulte welcomed Fair Isaac’s new direct license pricing as a useful first step, but said more reforms and competition are needed. Continue reading

Government shutdown could bring mortgage rates down

Investors seeking safety in bonds and mortgage-backed securities can bring rates down. Yields on 10-year Treasurys fell 4 basis points on first day of shutdown. Continue reading

Democrats seek transparency into Fannie, Freddie ‘reprivatization’

The Trump administration has assured industry groups that a stable housing finance system and low mortgage rates are a “North Star” in plans for a secondary offering, but Dems complain they’ve been shut out of process. Continue reading