Why crypto-backed mortgages aren’t quite mainstream — yet

Crypto-backed mortgages are emerging as an alternative for Bitcoin-rich buyers, but regulation and underwriting rules still constrain growth. Continue reading

Better claims its new AI app can underwrite some mortgage loans in 47 seconds

Better’s Tinman platform brings conversational AI to mortgage underwriting, aiming to make the process faster and more efficient. Continue reading

AI politics reach housing finance as Fannie, Freddie drop Anthropic

The FHFA ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to sever ties with Anthropic, signaling how politics and regulation may shape AI adoption in housing finance. Continue reading

Newrez bets on AI with strategic investment in startup HomeVision

The top five lender and loan servicer says it’s already using HomeVision’s AI technology to evaluate collateral and will expand its capabilities to create an automated end-to-end underwriting platform, including income, assets and credit. Continue reading

Backers of rival mortgage credit scores wage public relations war

As new scoring models by Fair Isaac and VantageScore vie for acceptance by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, claims and counterclaims fly. In the meantime, mortgage giants are stuck with FICO Classic. Continue reading

Homebuyers get cold feet as mortgage rates rebound from lows

Purchase loan applications came in last week at the slowest pace since May, as renewed concerns about the impact of tariffs drive up mortgage rates and weigh on consumer sentiment. Continue reading

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not accepting VantageScore 4.0

Once selling guides are updated, lenders will have the option of using either VantageScore 4.0 or the Classic FICO scoring model, but FICO Score 10 T remains in limbo, FHFA says. Continue reading

New rules for Fannie, Freddie credit scoring are stumping lenders

Mortgage giants allegedly weren’t informed in advance that they’d be required to accept VantageScore 4.0, and lenders have lots of questions about how the new process will work. Continue reading

These are the 31 markets where home prices have fallen the most

Price softening continues to spread from the Sunbelt into the Western U.S. and the inventory of homes for sale is growing at an accelerating pace, ICE Mortgage Technology reports. Continue reading

UWM’s 0-down loans a hit with buyers, worry consumer advocates

Unlike subprime loans that were subjected to minimal underwriting standards in the runup to the housing crash and 2007-09 Great Recession, UWM’s zero-down loans have to meet criteria set by mortgage giant Freddie Mac. Continue reading