https://www.mortgage.news Latest mortgage news, rates, and market analysis en-us Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:07:13 GMT 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 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fhfa-moves-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-to-one-pricing-grid-for-fico-and-vantagescore-muo99pfx https://www.mortgage.news/article/fhfa-moves-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-to-one-pricing-grid-for-fico-and-vantagescore-muo99pfx Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:23:57 GMT FHFA is moving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to a unified pricing grid for Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0, a shift that could accelerate credit-score competition and affect mortgage pricing and eligibility for some borrowers. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/pce-inflation-3-4-treasury-yields-ease-september-30-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/pce-inflation-3-4-treasury-yields-ease-september-30-2026 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:32:34 GMT August PCE inflation rose 0.3% for the month and 3.4% from a year earlier, while core PCE rose 0.2% and 3.0%. The 10-year Treasury dipped from about 5.23% to 5.20% after the release, then climbed back above Tuesday's close as a 0.9% jump in consumer spending argued against treating the report as an all-clear for mortgage rates. Economy https://www.mortgage.news/article/lower-inflation-could-be-key-to-easing-mortgage-rates-as-bond-yields-remain-elevated-mumt2w87 https://www.mortgage.news/article/lower-inflation-could-be-key-to-easing-mortgage-rates-as-bond-yields-remain-elevated-mumt2w87 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:03:00 GMT Mortgage borrowers looking for meaningful relief from elevated interest rates may need to see more than a single favorable inflation report. Sustained cooling in inflation could help push Treasury yields lower, potentially creating more favorable conditions for mortgage rates. But the latest data show that inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% objective, while long-term Treasury yields have climbed to multiyear highs. That combination is keeping pressure on mortgage financing costs as the housing market heads into the final months of 2026. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/job-openings-fall-mortgage-rates-little-relief-september-29-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/job-openings-fall-mortgage-rates-little-relief-september-29-2026 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 14:41:58 GMT August job openings fell to 7.079 million and September consumer confidence dropped, but the 10-year Treasury remained near 5.25% late Tuesday morning. For mortgage borrowers, softer data did not erase oil and inflation risk. Economy https://www.mortgage.news/article/pulte-rocket-vantagescore-4-0-1600-closing-savings https://www.mortgage.news/article/pulte-rocket-vantagescore-4-0-1600-closing-savings Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:51:41 GMT Rocket says the alternative score opened access for some borrowers and improved pricing for others. The new figure arrives weeks after FHFA opened VantageScore 4.0 to every Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lender. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/stop-standing-on-the-sidelines-mortgage-rates-face-fresh-pressure-as-10-year-treasury-yield-hits-19--multif8n https://www.mortgage.news/article/stop-standing-on-the-sidelines-mortgage-rates-face-fresh-pressure-as-10-year-treasury-yield-hits-19--multif8n Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:27:18 GMT The bond market just delivered a warning to mortgage borrowers: the recent rise in rates may not be over. The 10-year Treasury yield surged to 5.23% Friday, its highest level since 2007, after trading below 4.8% earlier this month. Because the 10-year Treasury is a key benchmark for mortgage pricing, the move is putting fresh upward pressure on borrowing costs. For consumers who have been waiting for mortgage rates to fall, the latest bond-market move is a reminder that rates can move higher just as quickly as they can move lower. And this time, inflation isn't the only force pushing yields upward. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-expands-mortgage-insurance-cancellation-outreach-for-homeowners-muleplzn https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-expands-mortgage-insurance-cancellation-outreach-for-homeowners-muleplzn Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:32:59 GMT Fannie Mae is allowing mortgage servicers to proactively contact homeowners who may qualify to cancel mortgage insurance based on their property’s current value, potentially helping eligible borrowers reduce their monthly housing payments. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/10-year-treasury-5-23-oil-iran-standoff-september-28-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/10-year-treasury-5-23-oil-iran-standoff-september-28-2026 Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:38:45 GMT The benchmark yield moved six basis points above Friday's official close as crude rose after President Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Mortgage pricing may face renewed pressure, but the move is not one-for-one. Market Analysis https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-week-ahead-jobs-report-treasury-yields-september-28-october-2-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-week-ahead-jobs-report-treasury-yields-september-28-october-2-2026 Sun, 27 Sep 2026 14:40:51 GMT The 10-year Treasury ended Friday 21 basis points above Monday. JOLTS and Friday’s jobs report will test whether that increase holds. Market News https://www.mortgage.news/article/before-choosing-arm-three-payments https://www.mortgage.news/article/before-choosing-arm-three-payments Sat, 26 Sep 2026 14:37:01 GMT A simple payment comparison helps homebuyers see what happens after an adjustable rate mortgage’s starting period ends. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/bolt-home-loans-partners-with-cursive-lending-and-don-romanski-to-expand-lending-solutions-muhbja7r https://www.mortgage.news/article/bolt-home-loans-partners-with-cursive-lending-and-don-romanski-to-expand-lending-solutions-muhbja7r Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:53:00 GMT Bolt Home Loans is proud to announce a new partnership with Cursive Lending, with experienced mortgage professional Don Romanski serving as our Account Executive. This partnership expands the products and lending solutions available to our team, including unique and alternative financing options designed to help us serve an even wider range of borrowers. Together, Bolt Home Loans, Cursive Lending, and Don Romanski are creating more opportunities, more flexibility, and more ways to get qualified clients to the closing table. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/consumer-sentiment-inflation-expectations-mortgage-rates-september-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/consumer-sentiment-inflation-expectations-mortgage-rates-september-2026 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:36:56 GMT September consumer sentiment fell 7% while one-year inflation expectations rose to 4.6% from August’s 4.0%. For mortgage professionals, that mix shows why weak sentiment does not guarantee lower mortgage rates. Market News https://www.mortgage.news/article/new-home-sales-rise-6-4-as-median-price-falls-below-400-000-muh2d86z https://www.mortgage.news/article/new-home-sales-rise-6-4-as-median-price-falls-below-400-000-muh2d86z Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:36:21 GMT New home sales rose 6.4% in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 684,000, while the median sales price fell 5.8% from a year earlier to $393,700. Elevated builder inventory, price adjustments and buyer incentives are helping new construction compete for mortgage borrowers despite persistent affordability pressures. Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/bill-pulte-salary-donations-wounded-warrior-project-130598 https://www.mortgage.news/article/bill-pulte-salary-donations-wounded-warrior-project-130598 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:34:13 GMT Pulte reports 24 salary donations totaling $130,598.86 to Wounded Warrior Project. Here is what the record shows and where veterans can find support. Industry News https://www.mortgage.news/article/adjustable-rate-mortgages-reach-9-8-of-applications-as-fixed-rates-top-7-mufnn21x https://www.mortgage.news/article/adjustable-rate-mortgages-reach-9-8-of-applications-as-fixed-rates-top-7-mufnn21x Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:56:19 GMT Adjustable-rate mortgages are gaining ground as borrowers look for relief from higher borrowing costs, with ARMs reaching 9.8% of mortgage applications as the average 30-year fixed rate climbed to 7.12%. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/us10y-above-5-who-is-selling-iran-war https://www.mortgage.news/article/us10y-above-5-who-is-selling-iran-war Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:03:07 GMT The Iran war is changing the risks investors face. The country data reveals major sellers, but their motivations are more complicated than a flight from America. Market Analysis https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-applications-slip-mba-rate-7-12-september-23-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-applications-slip-mba-rate-7-12-september-23-2026 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 21:39:11 GMT A new weekly survey shows softer borrowing demand. For loan officers, the useful conversation is about payments, costs and the trade-offs behind a lower starting rate. Market Analysis https://www.mortgage.news/article/trump-nominates-matt-jones-to-lead-fha-as-mortgage-policy-changes-accelerate-muedfaju https://www.mortgage.news/article/trump-nominates-matt-jones-to-lead-fha-as-mortgage-policy-changes-accelerate-muedfaju Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:22:35 GMT President Donald Trump has nominated Matt Jones to serve as FHA commissioner, elevating a senior HUD official already overseeing the agency’s single-family housing operations as lenders prepare for major credit-scoring and policy changes. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-rates-face-a-higher-for-longer-test-after-fed-s-september-hike-muct8gln https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-rates-face-a-higher-for-longer-test-after-fed-s-september-hike-muct8gln Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:09:37 GMT Why the Fed’s latest move matters to mortgages The Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to increase the federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point. In its statement, the Fed said economic activity was expanding at a solid pace, domestic spending remained resilient and inflation was still elevated. The September decision was the first Fed rate increase since 2023. That does not mean mortgage rates must rise by the same 25 basis points. Mortgage rates generally respond to expectations for future inflation, economic growth and monetary policy through the bond market. The 10-year Treasury yield is a widely watched benchmark because mortgages are long-duration assets, although actual mortgage pricing also reflects mortgage-backed securities spreads, lender margins and other market factors. That helps explain why mortgage rates can sometimes move lower after a Fed rate hike — particularly if investors believe the decision will help contain inflation — while at other times rates can rise because investors expect tighter policy to persist. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-rates-hover-around-7-as-fall-buyers-face-higher-monthly-payments-mucrrcgr https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-rates-hover-around-7-as-fall-buyers-face-higher-monthly-payments-mucrrcgr Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:28:19 GMT Mortgage rates are hovering near 7%, raising monthly payments for homebuyers even as rising inventory, softer prices and slower sales give some buyers more negotiating leverage this fall. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-share-of-new-home-mortgage-applications-rises-to-35-as-buyer-demand-weakens-mubfmg8c https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-share-of-new-home-mortgage-applications-rises-to-35-as-buyer-demand-weakens-mubfmg8c Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:00:49 GMT FHA loans accounted for 35% of new-home purchase mortgage applications in August as higher rates pressured affordability and overall application volume fell for a fifth straight month. Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/10-year-treasury-slips-below-5-percent-september-21-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/10-year-treasury-slips-below-5-percent-september-21-2026 Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:33:04 GMT The 10-year Treasury yield eased to 4.978% Monday morning, but the 1.9-basis-point move is too small to assume every mortgage lender improved pricing. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-points-break-even-test-loan-officer-guide https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-points-break-even-test-loan-officer-guide Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:32:00 GMT A lower rate is not automatically the better deal. This simple comparison shows borrowers when paying mortgage points may recover its upfront cost. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-week-ahead-new-home-sales-treasury-auctions-september-21-25-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mortgage-week-ahead-new-home-sales-treasury-auctions-september-21-25-2026 Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:37:46 GMT With no major jobs or inflation report scheduled, loan officers should watch Thursday's new-home-sales data, Friday's durable-goods report, and a three-day Treasury note auction cycle. Market Analysis https://www.mortgage.news/article/seller-concessions-hit-44-7-as-homebuyers-gain-negotiating-power-mu7f2a7t https://www.mortgage.news/article/seller-concessions-hit-44-7-as-homebuyers-gain-negotiating-power-mu7f2a7t Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:34:04 GMT Seller concessions appeared in 44.7% of Redfin-represented home sales in the three months ending Aug. 31, as rising inventory and high mortgage rates gave buyers more leverage. Market Analysis https://www.mortgage.news/article/friday-rate-check-mortgage-average-6-95-treasury-yields-september-18-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/friday-rate-check-mortgage-average-6-95-treasury-yields-september-18-2026 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:31:44 GMT Freddie Mac’s weekly average rose, and Friday’s early Treasury trading offered no clear relief. What loan officers should check before quoting borrowers. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-vs-freddie-mac-vs-ginnie-mae-whats-the-difference https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-vs-freddie-mac-vs-ginnie-mae-whats-the-difference Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:23:05 GMT Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae sound related, but their ownership, legal status and roles in mortgage finance are very different. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/why-the-10-year-treasury-yield-is-falling-after-the-fed-raised-rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/why-the-10-year-treasury-yield-is-falling-after-the-fed-raised-rates Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:00:56 GMT Treasury data and lower oil prices point to easing inflation concerns, with potential benefits for mortgage pricing. Analysis https://www.mortgage.news/article/the-fed-does-not-directly-set-mortgage-rates-here-s-what-actually-drives-them-mu5pdvot https://www.mortgage.news/article/the-fed-does-not-directly-set-mortgage-rates-here-s-what-actually-drives-them-mu5pdvot Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:47:29 GMT The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday, but the move does not mean mortgage rates automatically rise by the same amount. That distinction is becoming increasingly important for borrowers and mortgage professionals as the average 30-year mortgage rate moves around the 7% range. On Sept. 16, the Federal Open Market Committee raised the federal funds target range by 25 basis points to 3.75% to 4%. The Fed said inflation remains elevated and projected a median federal funds rate of 4.1% at the end of 2026. But the federal funds rate and a 30-year fixed mortgage rate are different rates serving different markets. The Fed controls the first. It does not directly set the second. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/uwm-raises-conforming-loan-limit-to-847-440-ahead-of-2027-fhfa-update-mu5ostph https://www.mortgage.news/article/uwm-raises-conforming-loan-limit-to-847-440-ahead-of-2027-fhfa-update-mu5ostph Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:31:06 GMT United Wholesale Mortgage has raised its conforming loan limit to $847,440 for one-unit properties, giving mortgage brokers and borrowers access to larger conventional loans before the FHFA announces its official 2027 limits. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fed-raises-federal-funds-rate-by-25-basis-points-as-inflation-remains-elevated-mu4i9rys https://www.mortgage.news/article/fed-raises-federal-funds-rate-by-25-basis-points-as-inflation-remains-elevated-mu4i9rys Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:40:34 GMT The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points Wednesday, moving the federal funds target range to 3.75% to 4%, as policymakers cited elevated inflation and continued economic growth. The Federal Open Market Committee approved the increase unanimously in a 12-0 vote at its September 15-16 meeting. The move marks a shift toward tighter monetary policy as the Fed seeks to bring inflation back to its 2% objective. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fed-meeting-today-mortgage-rates-in-focus-as-markets-brace-for-rate-decision-mu48ykm5 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fed-meeting-today-mortgage-rates-in-focus-as-markets-brace-for-rate-decision-mu48ykm5 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:19:54 GMT The Federal Reserve is set to announce its latest interest-rate decision today, with mortgage rates already elevated and bond markets on edge. Here’s what homebuyers, lenders and housing professionals should watch when the Fed releases its decision and updated economic projections. Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/uwm-begins-honoring-estimated-2027-conforming-loan-limits-ahead-of-fhfa-announcement-mu4854lj https://www.mortgage.news/article/uwm-begins-honoring-estimated-2027-conforming-loan-limits-ahead-of-fhfa-announcement-mu4854lj Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:57:01 GMT United Wholesale Mortgage is giving mortgage brokers an early opportunity to use higher conforming loan limits, announcing Sept. 16 that it will honor estimated 2027 limits on eligible conventional and VA loans before the Federal Housing Finance Agency formally releases its 2027 figures. UWM said it is implementing the higher limits based on estimates ahead of the FHFA announcement. The move raises the maximum one-unit loan amount available under the new limits to $847,440, up from $819,000 under the figures UWM is replacing. The 2027 limits have not yet been officially published by FHFA, meaning the figures UWM is honoring should be treated as estimates until the federal agency announces the final limits. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/scott-baker-returns-to-bolt-home-loans-with-more-than-25-years-of-financial-sales-experience-mu2uj4dx https://www.mortgage.news/article/scott-baker-returns-to-bolt-home-loans-with-more-than-25-years-of-financial-sales-experience-mu2uj4dx Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:03:12 GMT Scott Baker is returning to Bolt Home Loans after a short absence, bringing more than two decades of experience across mortgage lending, automotive finance and real estate back to the Michigan-based mortgage company. Baker’s professional background spans more than 25 years in financial sales, including experience as an account executive for a Fortune 500 company, ownership of a mortgage brokerage and work in the credit-repair business. He also spent 12 years serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. That combination of military service, financial-services experience and hands-on mortgage-industry ownership has shaped Baker’s approach to working with borrowers and referral partners. For Baker, the mortgage business is about more than closing a loan. “It’s more than a transaction, it’s a relationship,” is central to how he describes his approach to the business. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-sets-2027-start-for-vantagescore-4-0-and-fico-10t-in-mortgage-underwriting-mu2sknpx https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-sets-2027-start-for-vantagescore-4-0-and-fico-10t-in-mortgage-underwriting-mu2sknpx Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:53:25 GMT FHA will begin accepting VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T for eligible mortgages on Jan. 1, 2027, giving lenders more flexibility in how borrowers are evaluated. The shift could expand credit-score options while creating new underwriting and technology decisions for mortgage lenders. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/first-time-buyers-gain-ground-as-august-home-sales-fall-below-4-million-mu1dqw8x https://www.mortgage.news/article/first-time-buyers-gain-ground-as-august-home-sales-fall-below-4-million-mu1dqw8x Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:10:36 GMT First-time buyers accounted for 30% of existing-home sales in August as inventory increased and overall sales slipped below a 4 million annual pace. Higher mortgage rates remain a major affordability hurdle, but more listings and reduced investor competition are giving some buyers greater negotiating power. Market Analysis https://www.mortgage.news/article/happy-birthday-anthony-frederick-celebrating-28-years-of-leadership-at-uwm-mtxci4n2 https://www.mortgage.news/article/happy-birthday-anthony-frederick-celebrating-28-years-of-leadership-at-uwm-mtxci4n2 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:39:46 GMT Mortgage.News celebrates UWM Senior Vice President of Sales Anthony Frederick on his birthday, recognizing his remarkable 28-year journey from the mailroom to senior leadership and his lasting impact on UWM, its sales team and the wholesale mortgage community. Opinion https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-sets-jan-1-2027-launch-for-vantagescore-4-0-and-fico-10t-mtx52ps4 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-sets-jan-1-2027-launch-for-vantagescore-4-0-and-fico-10t-mtx52ps4 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:56:46 GMT FHA will begin accepting VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T for eligible forward mortgages with case numbers assigned on or after Jan. 1, 2027, giving lenders new credit-scoring options alongside Classic FICO. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/rising-mortgage-rates-are-creating-a-buyer-s-market-as-home-prices-lose-momentum-mtvoxmcr https://www.mortgage.news/article/rising-mortgage-rates-are-creating-a-buyer-s-market-as-home-prices-lose-momentum-mtvoxmcr Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:37:58 GMT Mortgage rates are moving higher, but that does not necessarily mean the housing market is becoming more favorable to sellers. In many U.S. markets, the opposite is happening: higher borrowing costs are suppressing demand, inventory is building, sellers are cutting asking prices, and buyers are gaining negotiating leverage. The distinction is important. National home prices are not broadly falling on a year-over-year basis, but asking prices have declined, price reductions have become more common, and a growing share of buyers are purchasing homes below the original asking price. Realtor.com reported that median list prices fell 1.3% year over year in August, while 20.4% of listings received a price cut. At the same time, Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 6.71% as of Sept. 3, up from 6.66% a week earlier and 6.50% a year ago. That combination is creating an unusual housing environment: financing is getting more expensive, but the homes that remain on the market may be increasingly negotiable. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fhfa-studies-single-credit-reports-as-pulte-targets-fico-mortgage-costs-mtvnhfc6 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fhfa-studies-single-credit-reports-as-pulte-targets-fico-mortgage-costs-mtvnhfc6 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:56:33 GMT FHFA Director Bill Pulte says the agency is studying single-bureau and bi-merge credit reporting as part of a broader push to reduce mortgage costs and increase competition with FICO. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/fhfa-orders-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-to-open-vantagescore-4-0-to-all-lenders-mtu881to https://www.mortgage.news/article/fhfa-orders-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-to-open-vantagescore-4-0-to-all-lenders-mtu881to Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:01:35 GMT FHFA has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to approve all lenders to use VantageScore 4.0, expanding the credit model beyond its initial rollout and increasing competition with FICO in the conventional mortgage market. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/higher-rates-rising-oil-prices-and-inflation-risk-put-september-mortgage-rate-expectations-back-in-f-mtsucp07 https://www.mortgage.news/article/higher-rates-rising-oil-prices-and-inflation-risk-put-september-mortgage-rate-expectations-back-in-f-mtsucp07 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:45:31 GMT Mortgage rates enter the second week of September under renewed upward pressure as higher oil prices, elevated Treasury yields and persistent inflation concerns complicate the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook. The average U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 6.71% for the week ending Sept. 3, according to Freddie Mac, up from 6.66% the prior week and 6.50% a year earlier. It was the highest weekly average since July 2025. The immediate question for the mortgage industry is whether rates can stabilize below 7% or whether another inflationary shock will push borrowing costs higher. Oil prices have moved toward $100 a barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions, while the 10-year Treasury yield has approached 4.8%. That makes this week’s inflation data particularly important. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release the August Consumer Price Index on Friday, Sept. 11, one day after the August Producer Price Index. The Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting follows Sept. 15-16. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/bolt-home-loans-meets-with-arive-ceo-harish-tejwani-to-discuss-growth-technology-and-broker-producti-mtlozm8a https://www.mortgage.news/article/bolt-home-loans-meets-with-arive-ceo-harish-tejwani-to-discuss-growth-technology-and-broker-producti-mtlozm8a Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:58:29 GMT BOLT Home Loans recently met with ARIVE CEO and founder Harish Tejwani and members of the ARIVE team at Ocean Prime in Troy, Michigan, for a discussion centered on growth, mortgage technology, upcoming platform developments and ways to improve productivity. The meeting gave BOLT an opportunity to share real-world feedback, explore potential enhancements and discuss how technology can continue making the mortgage origination process more efficient for loan officers and their teams. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/john-williams-says-treasury-yield-surge-reflects-strong-economy-keeping-mortgage-rates-under-pressur-mtkar3ta https://www.mortgage.news/article/john-williams-says-treasury-yield-surge-reflects-strong-economy-keeping-mortgage-rates-under-pressur-mtkar3ta Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:14:42 GMT New York Fed President John Williams said Wednesday that the recent rise in long-term Treasury yields reflects a strong U.S. economy and an improving growth outlook rather than dysfunction in the bond market, while declining to signal whether he supports another Federal Reserve rate hike this month. Williams’ comments come less than two weeks before the Federal Open Market Committee’s Sept. 15-16 meeting, with financial markets increasingly pricing in the possibility of a 25-basis-point increase in the federal funds rate. For the mortgage market, the distinction matters. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate does not move in lockstep with the Fed’s overnight policy rate. Instead, mortgage rates are heavily influenced by longer-term Treasury yields and mortgage-backed securities pricing. With the 10-year Treasury yield at 4.79% and the 30-year Treasury yield at 5.27% on Sept. 1, according to U.S. Treasury data, the bond market is already creating upward pressure on mortgage borrowing costs. Freddie Mac’s latest weekly survey put the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.66% as of Aug. 27, up slightly from 6.65% a week earlier and above the 6.56% average recorded a year earlier. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-va-and-usda-mortgage-rates-rise-into-september-but-stay-below-conventional-loans-mtk7ou8g https://www.mortgage.news/article/fha-va-and-usda-mortgage-rates-rise-into-september-but-stay-below-conventional-loans-mtk7ou8g Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:48:57 GMT Government-backed mortgage rates moved higher entering September, but FHA, VA and USDA loans remain priced below conventional mortgages. Here’s how the latest rates compare — and why insurance, funding fees and borrower qualifications still matter. Market Analysis