Refinancing

Here’s why non-QM earned its place at the mortgage dinner table

The non-qualified mortgage market has experienced significant growth since its introduction nearly a decade ago. 10 years in, credit ratings agencies regularly release performance metrics for investors, which provide remarkable insight into this extremely versatile asset class. In a recent default study on non-QM performance over the years, for example, KBRA analysts note that non-QM […]

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How will lenders recalibrate as Fed signals path to lower rates?

Mortgage lenders are recalibrating ahead of the Federal Reserve’s anticipated monetary easing cycle by rolling out rate promotions, streamlining operations and broadening product menus. They aim to capture demand while navigating affordability and margin pressures.  Executives told HousingWire they’re preparing for renewed borrower activity as rates edge lower — but with caution, given political headwinds,

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Mortgage applications soar ahead of Fed meeting

Continuing their upward trajectory, mortgage applications increased 29.7% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending Sept. 12. On an unadjusted basis, the index increased 43% compared with the previous week. Last week’s results included an adjustment for the Labor Day holiday.

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Optimal Blue: Rate-and-term refis soar 70% in August

Borrowers rushed to refinance in August as mortgage rates eased, pushing rate-and-term refi lock volume up 70% from July, according to Optimal Blue’s Mortgage Market Advantage report released Wednesday. “Borrowers are responding quickly to rate improvements, driving the strongest month for rate-and-term refinances we’ve seen this year,” Mike Vough, head of corporate strategy at Optimal

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Mortgage applications jump nearly 10% as rates drop

Lower mortgage rates prompted mortgage applications to increase 9.2% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending Sept. 5. Last week’s results include an adjustment for the Labor Day holiday. On an unadjusted basis, the index decreased 3% compared with the previous

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Fintech Aven raises $110M, expands into mortgage refinancing

Fintech Aven has raised $110 million in a Series E funding round, expanded into mortgage refinancing and added heavyweight advisers Lawrence Summers and Patrick McHenry to its board, the company announced Tuesday. The San Francisco-based fintech, best known for its home equity-backed credit card, is now valued at $2.2 billion following the round led by Khosla

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With a Fed rate cut likely, how big could the refinance wave be?

Mortgage rates at their lowest levels in nearly a year are driving a wave of refinance opportunities for lenders ahead of the Federal Reserve’s expected rate cut next week. The shift is encouraging more borrowers to leave the sidelines, with small rate moves already triggering meaningful activity. “Refinance businesses increased significantly from the first quarter,

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Mortgage lending activity sees ‘typical spring bounce’

Mortgage lending increased in the second quarter 2025, with nearly 1.76 million residential loans issued nationwide, according to ATTOM’s quarterly mortgage origination report. It was the first time since 2021 that the second quarter saw an annualized increase. The total number from April through June marked a 19.4% rise from the first quarter and a

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This year’s homebuyers need larger rate drops for refi benefits

Homeowners who bought in 2025 with the expectation of refinancing may not see savings unless interest rates fall by at least 0.75 percentage points, according to a report released this week by Neighbors Bank. The national analysis modeled typical refinance scenarios across all 50 states using a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage of 6.8%, an average loan

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TransUnion: Mortgage, home equity lending grow despite high rates

Mortgage originations and home equity lending both increased in the second quarter despite elevated interest rates and home prices, according to TransUnion’s Q2 2025 Credit Industry Insights Report. Originations rose 5.1% year over year, driven largely by a rebound in refinancing. Rate-and-term refinances climbed 44% and cash-out refinances increased 15%. Home equity originations posted their

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