Mortgage originator fined $31K, loses license in 19 states

The settlement resolves allegations that someone else took pre-licensing and continuing education courses that Colorado-based loan officer claimed credit for. Continue reading

FHA builds record reserves against a gathering storm of delinquencies

With delinquencies and debt-to-income ratios on the rise, the Trump administration is lifting foreclosure restrictions and eyeing tighter underwriting requirements for borrowers with multiple risk factors. Continue reading

He’s been at the MBA and Fannie Mae. Here’s who he thinks has the better 2026 mortgage forecast

Economist Doug Duncan weighs in on the challenges facing economic forecasters today, cutbacks in economic reports produced by Fannie and Freddie, Fed independence, and more. Continue reading

A year in real estate marked by power grabs and a wave of change

As the industry transitioned into a new era, big-player power moves, shifting rates, reform at the National Association of Realtors, technology advancements and more made 2025 another consequential year for real estate. Continue reading

Fannie and Freddie’s low-income homebuyer goals dialed back

Trump administration claims quotas for low-income borrowers hurt the middle class. NAR says where is the data? Consumer and civil rights groups say hundreds of thousands of working class and minority homebuyers will be sent packing. Continue reading

Why the Federal Reserve won’t bend to ‘THE TRUMP RULE’ in 2026

The next Fed chair may be more receptive to the president’s calls for rate cuts, but they’ll have to convince other central bank policymakers to give up their independence. Continue reading

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

How to convert renters into buyers in 2026

Many agents are scrambling to finish 2025 strong, but this simple educational campaign takes little time to prepare and yields year-long referrals, writes broker America Foy. 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

Seasonal cooling sweeps market as buyers grapple with affordability

Zillow reports that, despite an unusually active fall market this year, the housing market has finally settled into a slower pace for winter and returned to seasonal norms. Continue reading