Home sales could inch up even if growth stays sluggish next year

Home sales should break through the 5 million mark next year as more inventory gradually comes on the market and home prices decline, economists at the Mortgage Bankers Association predict. Continue reading

Cotality and Ascend licensed to generate FICO scores for lenders

Fair Isaac’s Mortgage Direct License Program is aimed at eliminating mark-ups charged by credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — backers of competing VantageScore. Continue reading

Mortgage demand dips as Fed signals cautious approach to rates

Homebuyer demand is still stronger than a year ago, but seasonal shifts have pushed the mix of business toward refinancing, which accounted for 59% of loan applications last week. Continue reading

Inventory tightens up as new listings tank: Redfin

As Americans become immersed in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and buyer demand softens, homesellers are pulling back from the housing market. Continue reading

Homebuyer demand stays strong as mortgage rates stabilize near 2025 lows: MBA lender surveys

With mortgage rates still hovering near 2025 lows, purchase loan applications hit their second-highest level of the year last week after adjusting for seasonal factors. Continue reading

Fed cuts rates for 3rd time in 2025, but might cut just once next year

The 9-3 split vote reflects differing views on whether the central bank’s biggest worry is inflation or rising unemployment, with data lagging after the government shutdown. Continue reading

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

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

Rebounding mortgage rates dampen homebuyers’ appetites

After hitting a 2025 low on Oct. 28, mortgage rates continue to rise as hopes dim for a December Fed rate cut. Futures market investors on Wednesday saw only a 34 percent chance of a Dec. 10 rate cut, down from 94 percent in October. 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