Mild recession, elevated mortgage rates eyed in 2024: Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae economists predict “mild recession” next year, but say mortgage rates may not ease as much as previously expected. Continue reading

Forecasters see home sales bottoming out this year, and then?

MBA forecasters expect rates to ease and sales to rise next year, but Fannie Mae economists predict home sales will remain subdued even if the Fed pulls off a soft landing. Continue reading

Mortgage rate surpasses 7% in new 2023 high as demand falls again

Even after adjusting for seasonal factors, applications for purchase loans fell for the fifth-straight week as mixed inflation data raised doubts that Fed will ease, pushing mortgage rates to new highs. Continue reading

Demand for mortgages wanes as rates plateau near 2023 highs

A decrease in applications for FHA loans popular with first-time homebuyers helped push the average purchase loan application to $432,700, according to the latest MBA lender survey. Continue reading

Home sales will be ‘subdued’ for rest of 2023, Fannie Mae projects

The housing sector’s resilience to higher prices and mortgage rates has bolstered prices, but a lack of for-sale inventory is expected to limit sales, according to Fannie’s latest monthly forecast. Continue reading

Legislation aimed at banning mortgage trigger leads is back

Despite lobbying by mortgage trade groups, two previous bills failed to attract cosponsors and died in the House Committee on Financial Services without a second reading. Continue reading

Homebuyer demand up 3rd week in a row as mortgage rates ease

The unusually wide “spread” between 10-year Treasury yields and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages means mortgage rates could have more room to come down. Continue reading

New mortgage fee won’t debut until after spring homebuying season

Industry groups continue to object to a new Fannie and Freddie fee aimed at some riskier borrowers as a burden on lenders and consumers. Continue reading

‘Just a freakish bit of data’: Sticker shock imperils spring home demand

Economists revealed to Intel how mortgage rates and inflation will bring the spring homebuying market back toward historical norms and become the new sales benchmark for years to come. Continue reading