Originations

Positive feedback from participants in existing programs led to the decision to expand them in order to assist more lenders.

As it gets ready for more competition from VantageScore, the company also did not comment on reports of yet another impending price hike.

A strong economy drove mortgage rates higher in the past week but it's still an advantageous market for consumers in some ways, according to Freddie Mac.

The lender claims the offering is the only one of its kind in today's mortgage market.

The Fed's short-term rate cut hasn't lowered 30-year mortgage rates, which have been flat, but some buyers had reasons to act sooner rather than later.

Home prices are one driver. Other factors also have been exerting upward pressure on housing expenses that differ by region and lift the overall average.

The conforming 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose to 6.12% on Oct. 3.

State housing finance agencies had a resurgent fiscal 2023 and the recent fed funds rate reduction could have a mixed impact on them, Fitch Ratings said.

Affordability improved for a fourth straight month, but questions remain about whether recent trends will bring a significant number of buyers into the housing market.

Mortgage rates being at a two-year low has not moved potential buyers off the sidelines, Freddie Mac says, but Redfin says demand for home tours is up.