Mortgages

Loans with alternative documentation and high combined loan-to-value ratios had more performance concerns, according to a new KBRA study.

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.

TPG Angelo Gordon estimates there's a $2 trillion market for home equity products. Thanks to tighter lending standards, the debt also appears safer than in the 2008 financial crisis.

Securitizations are breaking new ground and whole loan investors have been active as nonbanks increasingly originate and sell second lien products.

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.

Most of the contracts in Point Securitization Trust, 1,750 (81.64%), are second-lien as of the cut-off date.

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

President Donald Trump said that the US government would retain guarantees and an oversight role over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac even as he pursues a public offering for the mortgage giants.

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.

Hedge funds and other investors have called for the government to release the two entities from conservatorship, which could provide a windfall for shareholders.

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.

The funding round will help Button Finance, which leverages AI to underwrite home equity financing, expand its range of products to more borrowers.

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.

The comment period for the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing interim final rule has been extended, but consumer advocates are clear in their opposition.

The labor market continues to cool gradually, a sign that businesses facing heightened uncertainty and turmoil didn't significantly alter their hiring plans.

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.

Plaintiffs raise prior accusations that the lender ignored applicants' debts in collections, and used unreasonable residual income calculations.

The lender's parent also said it is actively in preparation to move forward on plans to unlock equity value in 2025, with a Newrez spinoff among its options.

While the 30-year rate landed near its level of a week ago, it ended up there only after political developments led to up-and-down swings in Treasurys.