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

Fallout over Fed policymakers’ investments reshaping the board

The resignation of Biden appointee Adriana Kugler and pending retirement of Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic renews speculation that Trump will seek to undermine Fed independence. Continue reading

8 reasons you should never recommend a 50-year mortgage

A 50-year mortgage may look tempting to a cash-strapped homebuyer, trainer Bernice Ross writes, but the cons far outweigh the easier up-front and monthly payments. Continue reading

Boomers may experience these brutal surprises when they move

Boomers may have big problems when it comes time to sell, trainer Bernice Ross writes. Her personal experience comes with a warning for agents and their 55+ clients. Continue reading

Are 50-year mortgages an affordability fix or a time bomb?

This week on The Download, Inman contributors and staffers weigh in on the controversy surrounding President Trump’s 50-year mortgage idea. Continue reading

Pulte refers a 4th Democrat, Rep. Eric Swalwell, for mortage fraud

Swalwell warns Pulte “and any other lawless official who is carrying out these political prosecutions” that they will have to answer for their actions after the midterm elections. Continue reading

FICO scores, magic phrases, earnings digs: Inman Top 5

Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers. Continue reading

Homebuilders’ rate buydowns are leaving buyers underwater: WSJ

The American Enterprise Institute estimates that 64 percent of homes sold by the largest homebuilders provide permanent mortgage rate buydowns, which often don’t count as seller concessions. Continue reading

Stop freaking out about 50-year mortgages. They might save the housing market

A 50-year mortgage is not a financial trap, broker Holly Brink writes. It’s a tool that’s designed to give homebuyers more ways to win in today’s market. Continue reading

Homebuying off to strongest November start since 2022

Rebounding mortgage rates didn’t stop buyers from shopping for deals last week, with requests for purchase loans up 6 percent last week compared to the week before and 31 percent from a year ago, according to lender data tracked by the Mortgage Bankers… Continue reading