https://www.mortgage.news Latest mortgage news, rates, and market analysis en-us Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:53:46 GMT 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 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