For many borrowers, the appraisal is the most stressful step in a refinance: part mystery, part high-stakes hurdle. Will the home appraise high enough? Will it delay closing? What actually determines the final value? Lenders can help ease these concerns by adopting the right combination of technology, strategy, and partnerships to modernize the process. A […]
Making the 7-day refi reality: Modernizing mortgage appraisals Read More »
Despite elevated mortgage rates, mortgage applications increased 0.2% from the prior week, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending Nov. 21. On an unadjusted basis, the index decreased 2% compared with the previous week. “Mortgage rates crept higher last week, with the 30-year fixed rate
Purchase applications drive small mortgage application increase Read More »
Mortgage prepayments climbed to their highest level in three and a half years in October as lower interest rates prompted more borrowers to refinance, according to ICE Mortgage Technology’s First Look report. The single-month mortality rate, which measures prepayments, rose to 1.01%, up 16 basis points from a year earlier, when mortgage rates were at
Mortgage prepayments hit 3.5-year high as rates fall in October Read More »
Mortgage refinance demand is 111% higher than last year, a surge fueled by declining mortgage rates and renewed interest from homeowners looking to improve their financial position. Refinancing can certainly be a smart move—a way to lower monthly payments, consolidate debt, or tap into home equity. But this sense of routine can mask the very
Title insurance vital to reduce risk on refinances Read More »
Rate-lock activity remained resilient in October despite seasonal cooling, according to Optimal Blue’s October 2025 Market Advantage Mortgage Data Report. Total lock volume declined 4.2% from September but remained 18% higher than a year earlier as borrowers responded to improving affordability and narrower rate spreads. Purchase locks slipped 1.5% month-over-month — in line with normal
Mortgage rate locks stay strong, refis drive activity Read More »
Financial services platform Robinhood and Sage Home Loans announced an exclusive offer on Monday, allowing Robinhood Gold subscribers to access mortgage rates at least 0.75% below the national average, along with a $500 credit toward closing costs on a new home purchase or refinance through Sage Home Loans. Gold subscribers are described as a subscription-based
Robinhood partners with Sage Home Loans for exclusive offer Read More »
Mortgage applications increased 7.1% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending October 24, 2025. On an unadjusted basis, the index increased 7% compared with the previous week. The refinance index increased 9% from the previous week and was 111% higher than
Lower rates prompt refis and dismissal of ARMs Read More »
Mortgage applications decreased 0.3% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending Oct. 17. On an unadjusted basis, the index decreased 0.2% compared with the previous week. The refinance index increased 4% from the previous week and was 81% higher than the same
ARM, refinance activity buck the trend of declining mortgage demand Read More »
Mortgage applications decreased 1.8% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending October 10, 2025. On an unadjusted basis, the index decreased 2% compared with the previous week. Despite the overall increase, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) applications saw a strong week, with
FHA refinance applications rise 12% amid mixed mortgage rates Read More »
Following another decline in mortgage rates, mortgage applications increased 0.6% from one week earlier, per data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending Sept. 19, 2025. Without adjusting for seasonality, the index increased 0.1% compared with the previous week. A key driver of applications was the refinance share
Mortgage applications increase as rates fall to 12-month low Read More »