Mortgages

A combination of economic and environmental factors are sending property and flood coverage premiums soaring, which can make costs insurmountable for some.

Since 2019, distressed loans have increased 77%, but it is just a small portion of the $691 billion currently outstanding.

Fewer of these mortgages are paying off, adding to the amount of credit on investors' books, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

The real estate investment trust arm of two affiliate mortgage-related companies could reduce other debt and finance purchases of loans, servicing or securities.

High mortgage rates and the lack of inventory for sale pushed the sector into a downturn twice recently - between May and November last year and in May of 2023 - according to First American

The impact on things like servicing rights would raise costs even for lenders that aren't banks, according to Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO Bob Broeksmit. Others disagree.

The mortgages are part of a program that received congressional scrutiny earlier this year.

Decreased availability of bank capital for new commercial construction helped slow activity from the previous nine quarters, according to a new report.

Even though the average for the 30-year fixed loan declined for the second straight week, a buoyant economy will affect future movements, Freddie Mac said.

Purchase-loan activity dropped again to its most subdued level in close to three decades, while refinances saw their smallest numbers in eight months, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.