While the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage recently dipped below 6%, adjustable-rate mortgages are offering homebuyers their biggest discount in nearly four years. Processing Content The average homebuyer would save $150 per month by using an ARM instead of a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, according to a new report from Redfin that analyzed 30-year rates compared with 7/6 […]
ARMs offer buyers largest discount in nearly 4 years Read More »
Borrowers are still anchored to ultra-low, pandemic-era mortgage rates, a mindset that is influencing both purchase and refinance trends as the market heads into 2026. That’s according to Mike Vough, Optimal Blue‘s senior vice president of corporate strategy, who highlighted the company’s latest Market Advantage report in a conversation this week with HousingWire at the
Optimal Blue’s Mike Vough on borrowers staying rate anchored into 2026 Read More »
The reproposal of bank capital rules for mortgages appears to deliver on earlier signals, including looser servicing asset rules, additional loan-to-value ratio distinctions and accommodations for credit enhancement. Processing Content But some fear there could be a catch in the small print of the new Basel III plan. “Capital rules are notoriously complex, but
Basel reproposal’s impact on non-bank mortgage lenders Read More »
UWM Holdings will likely have to increase its offer to get the agreed to purchase of Two Harbors over the finish line. Processing Content Two Harbors announced before the markets opened on March 19 it had received an unsolicited proposal to purchase all of the company’s stock at $10.77 per share, above its March 18
TWO receives unsolicited all-cash bid, endangering UWM deal Read More »
UWM Holdings may have to increase its offer to get the agreed to purchase of Two Harbors over the finish line, industry analysts are speculating. Processing Content Two Harbors adjourned the special meeting that was to approve the deal on March 16 to March 24 in order to solicit more proxies. But the first sign
UWM’s Two Harbors deal in doubt, analysts warn Read More »
The Federal Housing Finance Agency and the government-sponsored enterprises have opened up some new insurance options for borrowers, departing from a strict coverage mandate for single-family homes. Processing Content Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the agency also known as US Federal Housing, partially relented on “replacement cost only” rules. Roofs no longer need to be
FHFA loosens insurance rules targeting condos, rural loans Read More »
Ramping up its investments in artificial intelligence, Intercontinental Exchange’s mortgage technology division announced plans to roll out borrower-facing AI voice and chat agents on its servicing platform, intended to help business partners better assist homeowners. Processing Content Leaders from the company unveiled the agents at its ICE Experience conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Currently
ICE upgrades servicing platform with AI voice, chat agents Read More »
The acquisition of Two Harbors by UWM Holdings is possibly on life support as the real estate investment trust’s special meeting to approve the transaction, scheduled for March 16 was adjourned because of an apparent lack of participation. Processing Content March 24 is when the meeting will reconvene after an effort by Two Harbors to
Two Harbors postpones UWM merger vote meeting Read More »
Freedom Mortgage is expanding with a deal to acquire Seneca Mortgage Servicing. Processing Content Parent company Freedom Superior signed an agreement to buy the firm and its related entities from asset manager EJF Capital, it announced Monday. It’s yet another move by one of the industry’s biggest players to add servicing assets, in more consolidation
Freedom acquires Seneca Mortgage Servicing Read More »
As home price appreciation continues to slow, home equity decreased again in the fourth quarter, completing a full year of annual declines. Processing Content Borrower equity fell $78.8 billion, or 0.5%, year over year, according to Cotality’s Home Equity Report for the fourth quarter of 2025. That was an average decrease of $8,500 per borrower,
Home equity dips $78.8B as appreciation weakens Read More »