New restrictions on Fannie, Freddie refis blamed for tighter mortgage credit

Mortgage lenders tightened underwriting standards in June, undoing much of the easing seen over the last six months as initial fears about the long-term impacts of the pandemic began to wane. Continue reading

Agent commissions expected to soar to record high in 2021

Total commission revenue in 2021 could ultimately top $100 billion for the first time ever, according to a new report from Knock. Continue reading

Rising home prices may be crimping demand for purchase mortgages

Demand for purchase mortgages fell last week to the lowest level since May 2020, which could be a sign first-time homebuyers are getting squeezed out of the market. Continue reading

Lenders who rely on AI, algorithms could face new legal risks

In a move that could pose challenges for lenders that employ AI and algorithms to evaluate borrowers, federal housing officials are moving moving to rescind policies to protect lenders and other businesses from claims of inadvertent discrimination. Continue reading

Purchase loan demand up again, bucking increase in mortgage rates

Demand for purchase loans was up for the third week in a row last week, even as mortgage rates surged to the highest level in a month, according to a weekly survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association. Continue reading

Demand for mortgages rebounds after 3 weeks of declines: MBA

Applications for purchase loans and refinancings climbed as mortgage rates eased to the lowest levels since early May, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Continue reading