https://www.mortgage.news Latest mortgage news, rates, and market analysis en-us Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:08:14 GMT https://www.mortgage.news/article/freddie-mac-condo-not-eligible-comments-october-27-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/freddie-mac-condo-not-eligible-comments-october-27-2026 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:07:35 GMT A new Condo Project Advisor release gives lenders more detail on certain rejected condo project assessments, potentially reducing back-and-forth without changing eligibility rules. Industry News https://www.mortgage.news/article/jobless-claims-near-1960s-lows-signal-labor-market-resilience-despite-slower-hiring-mvpd6rcg https://www.mortgage.news/article/jobless-claims-near-1960s-lows-signal-labor-market-resilience-despite-slower-hiring-mvpd6rcg Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:41:08 GMT Layoffs remain historically low: Initial unemployment claims fell to 194,000 for the week ended Oct. 17, 2026, approaching levels last seen in the late 1960s. Employers are holding on to workers: Despite modest job creation, businesses appear reluctant to cut existing staff, helping preserve income stability for employed households. Housing gets a measure of support: A labor market characterized by limited layoffs can help existing homeowners maintain mortgage payments and give prospective buyers greater confidence in their financial stability. The outlook remains mixed: Weak hiring and elevated mortgage rates present challenges, but low claims suggest the labor market is showing resilience rather than widespread deterioration. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/pending-home-sales-drop-september-2026-mortgage-rates-october-26 https://www.mortgage.news/article/pending-home-sales-drop-september-2026-mortgage-rates-october-26 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:39:53 GMT September signed contracts fell in every region, while completed sales rose 1.5%. NAR’s reports measure different transaction stages, underscoring the need to compare local conditions and full financing costs. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/fico-10-dollar-mortgage-score-bundle-preferred-program-october-25-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fico-10-dollar-mortgage-score-bundle-preferred-program-october-25-2026 Sun, 25 Oct 2026 14:05:11 GMT FICO will keep its $10 wholesale bundle price for Preferred Program lenders using participating tri-merge resellers. The decision arrives as mortgage lenders weigh VantageScore and new underwriting models. Industry News https://www.mortgage.news/article/september-2026-single-family-building-permits-845000-housing-starts-october-24 https://www.mortgage.news/article/september-2026-single-family-building-permits-845000-housing-starts-october-24 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:06:06 GMT The Census Bureau reports September single-family permits at an 845,000 annual rate, down 4.0% from August. Total housing starts fell to 1.221 million, but wide confidence intervals caution against reading one month as a trend. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/housing-executive-order-pmi-refinance-title-manufactured-homes-october-23-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/housing-executive-order-pmi-refinance-title-manufactured-homes-october-23-2026 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:05:06 GMT An Oct. 22 executive order proposes proactive mortgage-insurance cancellation for future eligible loans, broader title-insurance alternatives on refinances and a manufactured-housing task force. Most changes still require agency implementation. Industry News https://www.mortgage.news/article/mba-mortgage-applications-fall-5-3-percent-week-ending-october-16-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mba-mortgage-applications-fall-5-3-percent-week-ending-october-16-2026 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:00:29 GMT The MBA's weekly survey for the week ending Oct. 16 shows the 30-year fixed contract rate down to 7.41% from 7.50% — the first decline in over two months — while purchase and refinance applications fell for a seventh straight week. Mortgage Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/homeowners-tapped-47-billion-in-equity-in-q1-could-a-blended-rate-refinance-make-more-sense-than-a-s-mvia0oql https://www.mortgage.news/article/homeowners-tapped-47-billion-in-equity-in-q1-could-a-blended-rate-refinance-make-more-sense-than-a-s-mvia0oql Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:38:03 GMT Americans are increasingly turning to their home equity for cash, but homeowners with low existing mortgage rates face a difficult choice: preserve a favorable first mortgage by taking out a second loan, or refinance their existing mortgage and additional borrowing into a single payment at a blended interest rate. According to the June 2026 Mortgage Monitor from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), homeowners withdrew an estimated $47 billion in home equity during the first quarter of 2026, the highest first-quarter total since 2021. While home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) accounted for 54% of withdrawals, the remaining borrowers primarily used cash-out refinances. For homeowners weighing these options, the headline interest rate is only part of the equation. The combined cost of existing mortgage debt and new borrowing can be more important than the rate on either loan individually. A blended-rate refinance can help borrowers evaluate whether consolidating their mortgage and additional debt into one loan makes financial sense. But the right choice depends on the existing mortgage rate, the amount of equity being accessed, closing costs, the repayment timeline and how long the homeowner expects to stay in the property. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/mct-dark-matter-empower-integration-automates-loan-sale-data-writeback https://www.mortgage.news/article/mct-dark-matter-empower-integration-automates-loan-sale-data-writeback Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:46:56 GMT The integration, announced Oct. 15 and available now to mutual clients, writes post-commitment data including MCT Marketplace sales back to Empower. The time savings figure is a company estimate. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/njhmfa-fall-2026-state-tax-credit-auction-opens-59-555-million-face-value https://www.mortgage.news/article/njhmfa-fall-2026-state-tax-credit-auction-opens-59-555-million-face-value Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:37:31 GMT NJHMFA's auction runs from Oct. 16 to Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. Eastern. The amount is face value of credits, not cash raised, and proceeds go to affordable and workforce housing production. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/freddie-mac-fast-refresh-october-19-2026-drag-drop-upload-results-reconciliation https://www.mortgage.news/article/freddie-mac-fast-refresh-october-19-2026-drag-drop-upload-results-reconciliation Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:30:25 GMT Same Gateway login and one-loan ZIP rules, plus single-screen drag-and-drop uploads, a new Upload Results page and on-demand reconciliation reports, per Freddie Mac's release notes. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-mbs-disclosures-add-fannie-score-freddie-score-pricing-indicator-october-19-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-mbs-disclosures-add-fannie-score-freddie-score-pricing-indicator-october-19-2026 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:20:40 GMT Starting with October 2026 securities, PoolTalk loan-level files add a Fannie Score, Freddie Score and Pricing Indicator. It is an investor disclosure change, not a new borrower qualification rule. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/realtor-com-market-clock-q3-2026-national-reading-4-oclock-buyers-gain-leverage https://www.mortgage.news/article/realtor-com-market-clock-q3-2026-national-reading-4-oclock-buyers-gain-leverage Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:11:10 GMT The Q3 2026 report counts 27 seller's markets, 49 balanced and loosening, 17 buyer's and 6 balanced and tightening among 99 metros. Realtor.com says buyer leverage is not the same as affordability. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/dynex-capital-q3-2026-book-value-falls-to-10-91-agency-mbs-spreads https://www.mortgage.news/article/dynex-capital-q3-2026-book-value-falls-to-10-91-agency-mbs-spreads Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:01:05 GMT Dynex reported a negative 11.5% economic return for the quarter ended Sept. 30 and raised leverage to 9.0 times equity. The company blamed wider Agency MBS spreads; hedges partly offset losses. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/nahb-builder-confidence-october-2026-falls-to-29-lowest-since-2012 https://www.mortgage.news/article/nahb-builder-confidence-october-2026-falls-to-29-lowest-since-2012 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:43:57 GMT The NAHB/Wells Fargo index fell three points as 43% of builders cut prices and 65% used incentives. It is a builder survey, not a sales count or a mortgage rate. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/pulte-praises-mortgage-tech-ginnie-mae-optional-ai-filing-tool https://www.mortgage.news/article/pulte-praises-mortgage-tech-ginnie-mae-optional-ai-filing-tool Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:14:41 GMT Pulte praised mortgage technology on Oct. 19, quoting a post on Ginnie Mae’s GMADE, an optional AI tool that fills issuers’ audited-statement filings. Review and certification duties are unchanged. Housing https://www.mortgage.news/article/homa-raises-5-million-california-expansion-in-app-mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/homa-raises-5-million-california-expansion-in-app-mortgage Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:38:12 GMT The seed round funds a California rollout and a buydown offer. The up-to-2% buyer credit depends on seller-paid commission, and the 0.75-point buydown is an advertised maximum, not a rate quote. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/kbra-preliminary-ratings-angel-oak-mortgage-trust-2026-6 https://www.mortgage.news/article/kbra-preliminary-ratings-angel-oak-mortgage-trust-2026-6 Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:31:09 GMT The non-prime deal holds 381 loans, 62.8% non-QM and 37.2% exempt business-purpose loans. Preliminary ratings are not final, and the deal is not agency MBS. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-fha-build-to-rent-multifamily-eligibility-mortgagee-letter-2026-12 https://www.mortgage.news/article/hud-fha-build-to-rent-multifamily-eligibility-mortgagee-letter-2026-12 Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:22:25 GMT Mortgagee Letter 2026-12, effective Oct. 14, lets detached homes, duplexes and triplexes qualify under Sections 221(d)(4) and 223(f), with site, management and accessibility conditions. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/fhlb-dallas-share-2026-advance-application-deadline-october-30 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fhlb-dallas-share-2026-advance-application-deadline-october-30 Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:14:58 GMT Member institutions must apply by 5 p.m. CT for advances priced 100 to 200 basis points below posted rates. SHARE is not a consumer loan, and remaining capacity is not stated. Finance https://www.mortgage.news/article/burleson-studios-austin-supportive-housing-opens-fhlb-dallas-grant https://www.mortgage.news/article/burleson-studios-austin-supportive-housing-opens-fhlb-dallas-grant Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:07:28 GMT A $1.56 million Affordable Housing Program grant through Wells Fargo helped fund the Foundation Communities property for people exiting chronic homelessness. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/fhfa-july-2026-foreclosure-prevention-refinance-report https://www.mortgage.news/article/fhfa-july-2026-foreclosure-prevention-refinance-report Sun, 18 Oct 2026 14:59:29 GMT The report published Oct. 15 covers July 2026 enterprise loans: 16,195 prevention actions, 7,503 modifications and 46,974 refinances. It is not a read on October. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/bls-september-2026-import-prices-rise-1-1-percent https://www.mortgage.news/article/bls-september-2026-import-prices-rise-1-1-percent Sun, 18 Oct 2026 14:50:34 GMT BLS data released Oct. 16 show fuel import prices up 4.8% and nonfuel up 0.7% for the month. These border price indexes are not consumer prices or mortgage rates. Economy https://www.mortgage.news/article/pulte-highlights-september-home-sales-gain-yearly-decline https://www.mortgage.news/article/pulte-highlights-september-home-sales-gain-yearly-decline Sun, 18 Oct 2026 02:34:38 GMT Pulte shared NAR’s earlier report on Oct. 17. September existing-home sales rose 1.5% monthly but fell 2.2% yearly, with inventory at 1.60 million homes. Housing https://www.mortgage.news/article/nahb-september-2026-construction-labor-shortages https://www.mortgage.news/article/nahb-september-2026-construction-labor-shortages Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:48:07 GMT NAHB’s Oct. 14 research release reports a higher average shortage share across nine tracked trades. The September survey does not say 47% of construction workers are missing. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/zillow-september-2026-rental-demand-index https://www.mortgage.news/article/zillow-september-2026-rental-demand-index Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:39:20 GMT Zillow’s Oct. 15 report shows stronger rental-listing engagement in September. Its demand index measures attention, not signed leases or a count of households. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/gao-hud-workforce-report-public-release-october-14-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/gao-hud-workforce-report-public-release-october-14-2026 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:29:47 GMT GAO publicly released the report Oct. 14, although it is dated Sept. 30 and examines changes in 2025. Selected stakeholders reported delays; the interviews are not a nationwide census. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/better-linda-yaccarino-independent-director-october-15-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/better-linda-yaccarino-independent-director-october-15-2026 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:20:49 GMT Better’s Oct. 15 announcement names the former X chief executive as an independent board member. Its technology and cost priorities are goals, not verified borrower outcomes. Technology https://www.mortgage.news/article/mba-september-2026-new-home-mortgage-applications https://www.mortgage.news/article/mba-september-2026-new-home-mortgage-applications Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:11:50 GMT MBA’s Oct. 15 release reports unadjusted September application declines. Its separate 584,000 annualized sales estimate is a model, not a Census count. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/first-horizon-mortgage-sale-agreement-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/first-horizon-mortgage-sale-agreement-october-2026 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:02:06 GMT First Horizon disclosed an early-October mortgage sale agreement in its Oct. 15 earnings release. The filing’s opening and a footnote differ on settlement status. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/treasury-daily-par-yields-week-october-16-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/treasury-daily-par-yields-week-october-16-2026 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:51:59 GMT The Oct. 16 daily par observation was 5.09%, compared with 5.24% a week earlier. These official yield-curve readings are not intraday closes or borrower mortgage quotes. Mortgage Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/mullinix-mortgage-group-joins-new-american-funding-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mullinix-mortgage-group-joins-new-american-funding-october-2026 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:26:11 GMT The October 13 announcement adds a Carolinas-based team to New American Funding. Its reported $2 billion of originations is career volume, not an annual result. Industry News https://www.mortgage.news/article/realtor-september-2026-rents-decline-slows https://www.mortgage.news/article/realtor-september-2026-rents-decline-slows Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:21:32 GMT The October 15 report puts the median asking rent at $1,694 across the 50 largest metros. National easing does not describe every renter’s options. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/invesco-mortgage-capital-september-2026-portfolio-update https://www.mortgage.news/article/invesco-mortgage-capital-september-2026-portfolio-update Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:17:24 GMT The October 14 release provides a September 30 snapshot of mortgage investments, repo borrowing and liquidity. The figures are preliminary and unaudited, not a mortgage-rate forecast. Market Analysis https://www.mortgage.news/article/equifax-mortgage-ultimate-adaptive-automation-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/equifax-mortgage-ultimate-adaptive-automation-october-2026 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:08:35 GMT Equifax’s October 13 announcement combines instant and additional verification services in a planned workflow. Lenders still need to test coverage, timing and pricing against their own files. Industry News https://www.mortgage.news/article/redfin-asking-prices-fall-october-11-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/redfin-asking-prices-fall-october-11-2026 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:05:14 GMT Redfin’s October 15 report shows asking prices below a year earlier, while completed sale prices remain slightly higher. Buyers still face expensive financing. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/industrial-production-rises-0-7-percent-september-2026-utilities-capacity-utilization https://www.mortgage.news/article/industrial-production-rises-0-7-percent-september-2026-utilities-capacity-utilization Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:01:01 GMT The Federal Reserve's Oct. 16 G.17 release shows September industrial production up 0.7%, manufacturing up 0.3% and capacity utilization at 76.9%. It is new growth data, not a Fed decision or a mortgage rate quote. Economy https://www.mortgage.news/article/freddie-mac-pmms-30-year-rate-holds-7-40-percent-15-year-6-71-october-15-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/freddie-mac-pmms-30-year-rate-holds-7-40-percent-15-year-6-71-october-15-2026 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:52:44 GMT Freddie Mac's weekly survey shows the average 30-year fixed rate unchanged at 7.40% as of Oct. 15, while the 15-year average eased to 6.71%. Both remain more than a point above a year ago. Rates https://www.mortgage.news/article/is-a-cash-out-refinance-a-good-way-to-pay-off-high-interest-debt-mvb2yoyl https://www.mortgage.news/article/is-a-cash-out-refinance-a-good-way-to-pay-off-high-interest-debt-mvb2yoyl Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:46:09 GMT A cash-out refinance can help homeowners consolidate high-interest debt, simplify monthly payments and potentially reduce borrowing costs. But whether the strategy makes financial sense depends on the homeowner’s existing mortgage rate, current refinancing rates, closing costs and the amount of debt being repaid. Unlike a traditional refinance, which generally replaces an existing mortgage with a new loan, a cash-out refinance allows homeowners to borrow more than they currently owe and receive the difference in cash. That money can be used to pay off credit card balances, personal loans and other eligible expenses. The potential benefit is straightforward: Mortgage interest rates are often lower than credit card interest rates. Moving expensive unsecured debt into a mortgage could reduce interest costs and monthly payments. However, it also converts debt that may not be secured by property into debt backed by the home. That distinction makes the decision more complicated than comparing interest rates alone. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/new-home-sales-august-2026-compare-builder-financing https://www.mortgage.news/article/new-home-sales-august-2026-compare-builder-financing Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:15:20 GMT August’s preliminary sales increase is not conclusive. For new-home buyers and their loan officers, the useful next step is comparing the full price and financing package. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/mismo-inaugural-frame-advisory-partners-ai-governance-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/mismo-inaugural-frame-advisory-partners-ai-governance-october-2026 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:15:20 GMT Six consulting firms earned MISMO's new certification to help lenders and servicers apply its FRAME AI governance framework. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/producer-prices-jump-1-3-percent-september-2026-ppi https://www.mortgage.news/article/producer-prices-jump-1-3-percent-september-2026-ppi Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:15:20 GMT The Labor Department's producer price index for final demand rose 1.3% in September and 6.3% from a year earlier. Here is what the release shows and what it does not. Economy https://www.mortgage.news/article/promise-robotics-d-r-horton-factory-as-a-service-agreement-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/promise-robotics-d-r-horton-factory-as-a-service-agreement-october-2026 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:15:20 GMT The agreement gives the nation's largest builder by volume access to robotic production capacity to support more than 1,250 homes. A planned Phoenix factory is expected to start in early 2027. Housing https://www.mortgage.news/article/fairway-home-mortgage-implements-vantagescore-4-0-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/fairway-home-mortgage-implements-vantagescore-4-0-october-2026 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:15:20 GMT VantageScore says Fairway has implemented its 4.0 credit model. Borrowers should still ask which loan programs and investors accept it. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/pentiv-pineapple-financial-mortgage-brokerage-intelligence-platform-october-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/pentiv-pineapple-financial-mortgage-brokerage-intelligence-platform-october-2026 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:15:20 GMT The Toronto-based mortgage company says Pentiv will sit above existing origination systems, starting with recruiting and renewal tools already used inside Pineapple+. Industry https://www.mortgage.news/article/beige-book-october-2026-uneven-regional-housing-mortgage-demand https://www.mortgage.news/article/beige-book-october-2026-uneven-regional-housing-mortgage-demand Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:15:20 GMT Contacts in several Federal Reserve districts said higher mortgage rates slowed home sales in September, while others reported steadier or improving activity. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-october-2026-housing-forecast-lowers-2027-sales-originations https://www.mortgage.news/article/fannie-mae-october-2026-housing-forecast-lowers-2027-sales-originations Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:15:20 GMT Fannie Mae's Economic and Strategic Research group now projects a higher 2027 mortgage rate path, fewer home sales and lower single-family originations than it did in September. Housing Market https://www.mortgage.news/article/u-s-debt-dispute-puts-mortgage-rates-in-focus-as-treasury-yields-climb-mv9njque https://www.mortgage.news/article/u-s-debt-dispute-puts-mortgage-rates-in-focus-as-treasury-yields-climb-mv9njque Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:02:02 GMT A dispute between the U.S. Treasury and the International Monetary Fund over the country’s mounting federal debt is highlighting a critical question for the housing market: Can economic growth bring borrowing costs down, or will persistent deficits and inflation keep long-term interest rates elevated? The debate has direct implications for mortgage lenders, homebuyers and homeowners considering refinancing. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 7.40% on Oct. 8, its highest level since November 2023, according to Freddie Mac figures reported by Reuters. Although Treasury yields have since shown substantial volatility, the broader challenge for housing remains the same: Mortgage rates depend on more than the Federal Reserve’s short-term policy decisions. Mortgage https://www.mortgage.news/article/hot-cpi-lower-10-year-yield-ai-debt-october-14-2026 https://www.mortgage.news/article/hot-cpi-lower-10-year-yield-ai-debt-october-14-2026 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 02:47:08 GMT Inflation accelerated, yet the 10-year Treasury yield eased. AI borrowing offers one possible explanation, with important limits. Analysis https://www.mortgage.news/article/americans-are-falling-behind-on-bills-could-refinancing-help-homeowners-regain-control-mv8auikx https://www.mortgage.news/article/americans-are-falling-behind-on-bills-could-refinancing-help-homeowners-regain-control-mv8auikx Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:03:31 GMT Rising delinquencies, mounting household debt and persistent cost-of-living pressure are putting renewed focus on a financial strategy for eligible homeowners: using a mortgage refinance to consolidate high-interest debt and potentially lower monthly obligations. Mortgage