Originations

The Chicago-area lender, which at first was able to get the suit quashed, agreed to end the discrimination case by paying a $105,000 fine.

Freddie Mac also indicated that it will be proceeding with its closely watched second-lien pilot, while Fannie reported gains in serving credit invisible borrowers.

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.

Purchase activity trudged along during what lenders describe as a traditional end-of-summer slump.

While the lock-in effect on existing supply has helped drive consumer interest in new construction, first-time buyers have been taking a greater share of that inventory.

Short-term rate cuts often don't immediately translate to lower financing costs for 30-year home loans, and there are some unique circumstances this time.

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell week-to-week by the largest amount since the start of August and are now almost a percentage point lower than a year ago, according to Freddie Mac.

The bank has brought in mortgage industry veteran Ken Logan as senior managing director to oversee a broader range of financing it's offering to home lenders.

Steady purchase demand still led to a positive August according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Recent rate movements have failed to result in significant purchase growth, but refinances are providing lenders some lift.

Purchases managed a small rise, but refinance activity held steady, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.