https://www.mortgage.news Latest mortgage news, rates, and market analysis en-us Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:43:03 GMT https://www.mortgage.news/article/equifax-extends-1-dollar-vantagescore-4-0-pricing-through-2028-mortgage-adoption https://www.mortgage.news/article/equifax-extends-1-dollar-vantagescore-4-0-pricing-through-2028-mortgage-adoption Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:42:09 GMT Equifax said Oct. 8 that nearly 2,000 mortgage lenders and resellers used its free VantageScore 4.0 offer and that it will keep $1 mortgage pricing for the score through 2028. It also launched Mortgage Score Select. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-lending-non-permanent-residents-falls-after-eligibility-change-ice-data-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-lending-non-permanent-residents-falls-after-eligibility-change-ice-data-october-2026 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:41:54 GMT ICE origination data reported by HousingWire on Oct. 8 show non-permanent residents' share of FHA purchase loans fell from about 5.8% to about 0.1% after HUD's May 25, 2025 eligibility change. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-freddie-mac-distressed-loan-pools-non-performing-loan-sales-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-freddie-mac-distressed-loan-pools-non-performing-loan-sales-october-2026 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:41:39 GMT On Oct. 8, Fannie Mae marketed about 1,217 deeply delinquent loans plus a 27-loan Dallas-Fort Worth Community Impact Pool, and Freddie Mac reported a $428 million NPL sale with another offering due Oct. 23. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-operation-clean-house-491-arrests-hud-assisted-housing-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-operation-clean-house-491-arrests-hud-assisted-housing-october-2026 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:41:19 GMT HUD said Oct. 8 that Operation Clean House, a multi-agency effort targeting fugitives living in HUD-assisted housing, produced 491 arrests across 12 cities and others. Arrests are not convictions. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/redfin-housing-costs-return-to-normal-five-years-scenarios-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/redfin-housing-costs-return-to-normal-five-years-scenarios-october-2026 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:40:52 GMT A Redfin analysis published Oct. 8 says U.S. housing costs could return to August 2018 levels within about five years if rates fall to 6%, with timelines that vary widely by rate, price growth and metro. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/mba-mortgage-credit-availability-index-september-2026-falls-to-107-1 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mba-mortgage-credit-availability-index-september-2026-falls-to-107-1 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:40:38 GMT MBA's Mortgage Credit Availability Index, released Oct. 8, fell 0.2% to 107.1 in September as lenders tightened conventional documentation and trimmed cash-out and investor offerings. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-rates-7-40-percent-highest-since-november-2023-freddie-mac-october-8-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-rates-7-40-percent-highest-since-november-2023-freddie-mac-october-8-2026 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:40:25 GMT Freddie Mac's Oct. 8 survey put the 30-year fixed rate at 7.40%, up from 7.28%. It is the seventh straight weekly increase and the highest reading since November 2023. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/freddie-mac-sells-428-million-in-nonperforming-loans-awarding-four-pools-to-two-buyers-mv00d5z3 https://www.mortgage.news/article/freddie-mac-sells-428-million-in-nonperforming-loans-awarding-four-pools-to-two-buyers-mv00d5z3 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:47:56 GMT Freddie Mac’s latest sale of deeply delinquent mortgages highlights how the government-sponsored enterprise manages distressed assets, transfers mortgage credit exposure and uses investor demand to move troubled loans out of its investment portfolio. The transaction involves 1,968 residential first-lien loans with an aggregate balance of approximately $428 million. Announced October 8, 2026, the sale covers four pools awarded to two winning bidders, with settlement expected in December. Freddie Mac Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fed-g19-consumer-credit-august-2026-revolving-credit-falls-card-rates-21-percent https://www.mortgage.news/article/fed-g19-consumer-credit-august-2026-revolving-credit-falls-card-rates-21-percent Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:41:14 GMT The Federal Reserve's G.19 report, released Oct. 7, shows consumer credit grew at a 1.9% annual rate in August. Revolving credit fell at a 4.2% rate while car and student loans grew. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-next-generation-manufactured-housing-action-plan-chassis-free-homes-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-next-generation-manufactured-housing-action-plan-chassis-free-homes-october-2026 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:41:14 GMT HUD's Next Generation Manufactured Housing Action Plan, released Oct. 7, outlines energy standards, chassis-free construction and installation updates, and a multifamily performance code. Rules are not yet written. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-selling-guide-sel-2026-09-verbal-voe-attorney-opinion-letters-wire-instructions https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-selling-guide-sel-2026-09-verbal-voe-attorney-opinion-letters-wire-instructions Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:41:14 GMT Fannie Mae's Selling Guide announcement SEL-2026-09, dated Oct. 7, removes prescribed verbal verification methods, changes income continuance timing and digitizes seller wire instructions. One K-1 change takes effect Dec. 2. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/uwm-removes-minimum-credit-score-overlay-agency-loans-october-7-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/uwm-removes-minimum-credit-score-overlay-agency-loans-october-7-2026 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:41:14 GMT UWM said Oct. 7 that conventional, FHA, VA and USDA eligibility will be set by automated underwriting rather than a company score floor. Scores still drive pricing, and Jumbo, Bank Statement and Investor Flex minimums remain. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/fed-minutes-waller-more-rate-hikes-likely-not-consecutive-october-8-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fed-minutes-waller-more-rate-hikes-likely-not-consecutive-october-8-2026 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:41:14 GMT Minutes released Oct. 7 show most Fed officials expect another hike by year end. On Oct. 8, Governor Waller said more hikes are likely but need not come at consecutive meetings. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-opens-fair-housing-investigation-wells-fargo-black-homeownership-programs-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-opens-fair-housing-investigation-wells-fargo-black-homeownership-programs-october-2026 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:41:14 GMT HUD said Oct. 7 that Secretary Scott Turner launched an investigation into whether Wells Fargo's initiatives to increase Black homeownership may violate the Fair Housing Act. No finding has been made. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/india-s-rate-hike-adds-to-global-inflation-pressure-as-central-banks-turn-tighter-muyblxk4 https://www.mortgage.news/article/india-s-rate-hike-adds-to-global-inflation-pressure-as-central-banks-turn-tighter-muyblxk4 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:27:09 GMT India’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time since 2023, signaling that the global inflation problem remains strong enough to push another major economy toward tighter monetary policy. The Reserve Bank of India increased its repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% and shifted its policy stance to “calibrated tightening.” The decision came as inflation accelerated, energy costs remained elevated and the Indian rupee faced renewed pressure. For U.S. mortgage and housing markets, the decision does not directly determine mortgage rates. But it adds another data point to a broader global rate environment in which central banks are becoming less willing to assume that inflation will quickly return to target. Economy https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-section-184-upfront-guarantee-fee-1-50-percent-october-1-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-section-184-upfront-guarantee-fee-1-50-percent-october-1-2026 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:49:14 GMT Since Oct. 1, new Section 184 firm commitments, including refinances, carry a 1.50% upfront fee instead of 1.00%. The annual fee stays at zero, and existing guaranteed loans are not affected. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/uwm-fico-vantagescore-every-credit-pull-best-qualifying-score-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/uwm-fico-vantagescore-every-credit-pull-best-qualifying-score-october-2026 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:49:14 GMT The wholesale lender said Oct. 6 it will obtain both scores on every credit pull and default to the one that gives the borrower the better eligible outcome. It is a lender policy, not a new FHFA rule. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/mismo-workgroup-standard-tri-party-enote-bailee-agreement-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mismo-workgroup-standard-tri-party-enote-bailee-agreement-october-2026 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:49:14 GMT The mortgage standards body asked lenders, warehouse banks, investors and technology firms on Oct. 6 to help build a common Master Bailee Agreement. The kickoff meeting is Oct. 22. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/zillow-september-2026-market-report-pending-sales-fall-8-5-payment-up-6-7 https://www.mortgage.news/article/zillow-september-2026-market-report-pending-sales-fall-8-5-payment-up-6-7 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:49:14 GMT Zillow's September report, released Oct. 6, shows contract signings falling faster than closed sales while home values rose just 1%. Rents posted their biggest annual gain since April 2025. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-innovative-housing-showcase-2026-manufactured-3d-printed-modular-homes https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-innovative-housing-showcase-2026-manufactured-3d-printed-modular-homes Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:49:14 GMT HUD's Oct. 6 regional releases spotlight a chassis-free manufactured home, a two-story manufactured prototype and a 3D-printed tiny home shown on the National Mall Sept. 22-24. Cost savings at scale remain unproven. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/mba-mortgage-applications-fall-30-year-contract-rate-7-49-october-7-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mba-mortgage-applications-fall-30-year-contract-rate-7-49-october-7-2026 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:49:14 GMT The Mortgage Bankers Association's survey for the week ending Oct. 2 shows refinance applications down 7.5% and purchase applications down 2.1% as its average conforming rate rose from 7.30%. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/fair-isaac-8-k-workforce-reduction-15-percent-positions-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fair-isaac-8-k-workforce-reduction-15-percent-positions-october-2026 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:49:14 GMT An Oct. 6 filing says management committed to the plan Oct. 1, began notifying employees the week of Oct. 5 and expects about $27 million in pre-tax charges in fiscal fourth-quarter 2026. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/va-funding-fee-refund-retroactive-disability-compensation https://www.mortgage.news/article/va-funding-fee-refund-retroactive-disability-compensation Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:42:42 GMT VA may refund the funding fee when a later compensation award is retroactive to before your closing date. The effective date, not the decision date, is what counts. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/lenders-title-vs-owners-title-vs-homeowners-insurance https://www.mortgage.news/article/lenders-title-vs-owners-title-vs-homeowners-insurance Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:42:42 GMT Lender's title insurance protects the lender. Owner's title insurance is usually optional and protects your equity from past title problems. Homeowners insurance covers damage going forward. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/student-loan-payment-mortgage-underwriting-credit-report-documentation https://www.mortgage.news/article/student-loan-payment-mortgage-underwriting-credit-report-documentation Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:42:42 GMT Conventional underwriting counts a monthly student loan payment, but a $0, missing or wrong payment on the credit report can trigger a different number. Your loan statement often decides which. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-gift-funds-donor-paper-trail-large-deposits https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-gift-funds-donor-paper-trail-large-deposits Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:42:42 GMT FHA allows gifts toward a down payment and closing costs, but the lender must document who gave the money, that it is not a loan and how it reached you. Undocumented deposits slow closings. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/discount-points-vs-lender-credits-compare-same-loan-loan-estimates https://www.mortgage.news/article/discount-points-vs-lender-credits-compare-same-loan-loan-estimates Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:42:42 GMT Points lower your rate for more cash at closing. Lender credits do the reverse. The Loan Estimate shows both, but only if you ask each lender to price the same loan the same way. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/heloc-draw-period-vs-repayment-period-payment-reset https://www.mortgage.news/article/heloc-draw-period-vs-repayment-period-payment-reset Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:42:42 GMT Many home equity lines allow low payments while you borrow, then require principal and interest on a variable rate. The switch can raise the payment sharply even if rates do not move. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/tuesday-mortgage-pricing-treasury-yields-ease-oil-fomc-minutes-october-6-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/tuesday-mortgage-pricing-treasury-yields-ease-oil-fomc-minutes-october-6-2026 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:42:42 GMT The 10-year Treasury slipped Tuesday morning after Monday's 5.31% close and oil eased too. Wednesday's Fed minutes are the next scheduled test for borrowers comparing quotes. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-payment-went-up-fixed-rate-escrow-analysis-shortage https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-payment-went-up-fixed-rate-escrow-analysis-shortage Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:46:55 GMT On a fixed-rate loan, principal and interest stay put. Property taxes and insurance do not. An annual escrow analysis can raise the payment and add a shortage repayment at the same time. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/assumable-mortgage-checklist-servicer-approval-equity-gap-release-of-liability https://www.mortgage.news/article/assumable-mortgage-checklist-servicer-approval-equity-gap-release-of-liability Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:46:55 GMT A low-rate assumable loan can help a buyer, but only with servicer approval, cash for the equity gap and, for the seller, a formal release of liability. Here is the checklist for both sides. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/seller-concession-vs-price-cut-cash-to-close-payment-october-5-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/seller-concession-vs-price-cut-cash-to-close-payment-october-5-2026 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:46:55 GMT Equal headline dollars land in different places. A credit lowers what you bring to closing; a price cut lowers the loan and the monthly payment. Here is how buyers can compare them. Housing https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-mortgage-insurance-vs-conventional-pmi-cancellation-questions https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-mortgage-insurance-vs-conventional-pmi-cancellation-questions Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:46:55 GMT Both protect the lender when the down payment is small. FHA adds an upfront premium and often lasts longer; conventional PMI can be canceled as equity builds. Here are the questions that matter. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/loan-estimate-cash-to-close-tolerances-closing-disclosure-three-days https://www.mortgage.news/article/loan-estimate-cash-to-close-tolerances-closing-disclosure-three-days Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:46:55 GMT Some Loan Estimate fees are locked, some can rise only within a limit and some can change freely. Knowing which is which makes the three-day Closing Disclosure review far more useful. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/va-escape-clause-appraisal-gap-questions-before-paying-cash https://www.mortgage.news/article/va-escape-clause-appraisal-gap-questions-before-paying-cash Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:46:55 GMT If a VA appraisal comes in below the contract price, the escape clause lets a veteran walk away without losing earnest money. It does not lower the price or cover the difference on its own. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/monday-mortgage-pricing-10-year-treasury-5-3-weak-jobs-october-5-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/monday-mortgage-pricing-10-year-treasury-5-3-weak-jobs-october-5-2026 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:46:55 GMT September payrolls grew by just 29,000, yet the 10-year Treasury yield traded near 5.3% Monday morning. Here is what that means for borrowers comparing quotes ahead of Wednesday's Fed minutes. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/sunday-mortgage-quote-rate-lock-expiration-extension-float-down https://www.mortgage.news/article/sunday-mortgage-quote-rate-lock-expiration-extension-float-down Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:33 GMT Before relying on a weekend rate quote, confirm whether your loan is locked, when that protection expires, and the separate rules for extensions and float-downs. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/low-appraisal-three-questions-before-paying-gap-october-4-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/low-appraisal-three-questions-before-paying-gap-october-4-2026 Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:33 GMT A lower valuation can change your financing. Check the report, the loan calculation and your contract before committing more cash. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/using-va-loan-again-selling-keeping-home-entitlement https://www.mortgage.news/article/using-va-loan-again-selling-keeping-home-entitlement Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:33 GMT Selling, paying off and keeping a VA-financed home lead to different entitlement questions. An updated COE and lender review establish the next purchase options. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/closing-funds-wire-verification-call https://www.mortgage.news/article/closing-funds-wire-verification-call Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:33 GMT Save trusted contacts early, verify the account through an independent call, and confirm receipt immediately. A familiar email thread is not enough. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/condo-financing-borrower-approval-project-review-documents https://www.mortgage.news/article/condo-financing-borrower-approval-project-review-documents Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:33 GMT A condo buyer’s preapproval does not settle the building’s eligibility. Request association budgets, insurance, repair records and assessment details before setting an offer timeline. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-recast-extra-principal-payment-difference-october-4-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-recast-extra-principal-payment-difference-october-4-2026 Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:33 GMT Before sending a large principal payment, ask your servicer whether the loan qualifies for a recast and what happens to your monthly bill. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/cash-out-refinance-debt-consolidation-payment-total-interest https://www.mortgage.news/article/cash-out-refinance-debt-consolidation-payment-total-interest Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:33 GMT Using home equity to pay off credit cards can shrink the monthly bill. Check the total interest, fees, payoff date and the new risk to your home first. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-week-ahead-fed-minutes-october-5-9-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-week-ahead-fed-minutes-october-5-9-2026 Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:35:14 GMT After September payroll growth slowed to 29,000, the Fed's September meeting minutes and a light data calendar will test whether lenders can hold onto Friday's bond-market relief. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/one-in-five-listings-price-cut-buyers-check-math-october-3-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/one-in-five-listings-price-cut-buyers-check-math-october-3-2026 Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:35:14 GMT Realtor.com says 20.8% of active listings had a September price reduction. Buyers should test the new ask against closed sales, financing costs, time on market and concessions. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/september-jobs-29000-treasury-yields-fall-october-2-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/september-jobs-29000-treasury-yields-fall-october-2-2026 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:42:03 GMT U.S. hiring slowed sharply in September, while construction employment revealed a divide between nonresidential trades and residential specialty contractors. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/fair-isaac-s-dominance-in-mortgage-credit-scoring-could-be-challenged-by-new-grid-structure-bofa-say-mupxgncq https://www.mortgage.news/article/fair-isaac-s-dominance-in-mortgage-credit-scoring-could-be-challenged-by-new-grid-structure-bofa-say-mupxgncq Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:28:58 GMT Fair Isaac’s long-standing position in the mortgage credit-scoring market is facing a new competitive test after Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac aligned the pricing treatment of Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0, prompting Bank of America Securities to downgrade the company’s stock. BofA Securities downgraded Fair Isaac, whose FICO score is widely used by lenders, to Neutral from Buy on Sept. 30 and cut its price target to $700 from $1,400, according to a report published by MT Newswires. The move followed changes by the government-sponsored enterprises that eliminate a previous pricing distinction between the two credit-score models. The change takes effect as the mortgage industry moves toward a more competitive credit-scoring framework in which lenders can use VantageScore 4.0 alongside the established Classic FICO model. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/headline-mortgage-rate-spread-realtor-report-october-1-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/headline-mortgage-rate-spread-realtor-report-october-1-2026 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:49:18 GMT A new Realtor.com study of 1.35 million purchase loans finds the middle 80% of borrowers landed on rates 93 basis points apart in the same month. Lender shopping was the fastest lever. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/borrower-ai-agents-mortgage-servicing-october-1-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/borrower-ai-agents-mortgage-servicing-october-1-2026 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:40:51 GMT Borrower-controlled AI could eventually contact mortgage servicers about payments, escrow or assistance. Before that becomes routine, the industry needs clear rules for identity, authority and human review. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/10-year-treasury-24-year-high-ism-prices-october-1-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/10-year-treasury-24-year-high-ism-prices-october-1-2026 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:37:16 GMT The benchmark yield touched 5.347% before the ISM release and remained near 5.32% afterward as manufacturers reported a sharp jump in input prices. Mortgage rates do not move one-for-one with Treasurys, but borrowers should expect continued pricing volatility. Economy