Originations

Secondary market interest in home equity contracts is drawing new participants, with 2025 securitization activity ahead of last year, industry leaders said.

While lenders have come out with more products for the spring season, rate lock data finds buyers still hesitant to act because of high mortgage rates.

Even with the four basis-point drop, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage remained at levels last seen in February as the Spring homebuying season reaches its climax.

The product, as well as the housing market, is different today than what it was two decades ago, where some feel it was a cause of the financial crisis.

However, with the market continuing to shift more in favor of homebuyers, home prices should move lower, aiding affordability in the weeks ahead.

This potential transaction would be part of a broader trend of mortgage lenders and servicing players converging, such as Rocket's recent acquisition of Mr. Cooper.

Increases in gross domestic product and home sales expectations compared with April are the drivers of Fannie Mae's latest mortgage outlook for 2025 and 2026.

A growing supply of unsold inventory applied downward pressure on prices, offering home buyers some relief, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose slightly to 6.86% last week, as economic volatility calmed following the Federal Reserve's recent inaction.

Pricing on the 30-year fixed rate mortgage retreated this week as investors digested some economic news, including a GDP contraction in the first quarter.