Surveys show impact of mortgage ‘lock-in effect’ on seller psychology

Harris Poll finds 71 percent of Americans would be hesitant to move due to economic uncertainty over concerns, such as interest rates, inflation or a recession. 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

US hiring remains strong, but other sectors outpace real estate

Real estate employers added about as many jobs in September as would normally be expected this time of year, despite the market downturn. Continue reading

Slight dip in mortgage rates not enough to spark homebuyer demand

Demand for purchase loans fell 1 percent last week compared to the week before, and was down 41 percent from a year ago, according to a new Mortgage Bankers Association survey released Wednesday. Continue reading

Mortgage demand hits lowest level in 25 years as rates keep rising

With a Fed meeting looming next week, rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have surged well past the 7 percent threshold, a Mortgage Bankers Association survey released Wednesday shows. Continue reading

Fannie, Freddie ordered to slash fees for many first-time homebuyers

Regulators order mortgage giants to eliminate upfront fees on many purchase loans in order to help first-time homebuyers of limited means, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced Monday. Continue reading

Mortgage demand hits lowest level since 1997 as rates continue to rise

Thirty-year, fixed-rate loans hit 6.982 percent on Oct. 13, a new 2022 high, according to an Optimal Blue Mortgage Market index. According to an index by Mortgage News Daily, rates were at 7.15 percent. Continue reading

Industry groups renew push for lower FHA mortgage premiums

The Black Homeownership Collaborative also asks HUD to ditch a “life of loan” requirement that forces homeowners to continue paying mortgage insurance premiums in perpetuity. Continue reading