Housing markets

The share of underwater mortgages also grew for the first time in almost two years during the third quarter, Corelogic found.

The latest plans include details on promoting housing development in underserved areas and increasing secondary market access to rural institutions.

Those born between 1997 and 2012 will go from making up a scant 6% of today's market to a 25% share by 2028, and mortgage lenders need to be ready to serve them.

Some lenders are once again hiring mortgage lenders, but memories of the painful staffing cuts they were forced to make over the past two years remain top of mind.

Origination volumes grew across nearly all sectors of commercial real estate on both a quarterly and yearly basis, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

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.

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.

Rising property values continue to buffer mortgagors against negative equity situations, Corelogic said.

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

About 85% of U.S. homeowners have interest rates below 6%, while a little over 50% of homeowners have a rate below 4%, Redfin's report said.