Lending and Originations

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Appraisal Subcommittee will host a panel of federal officials discussing residential appraisal review, and how to better understand the challenges and potential solutions related to appraisal bias.

"Because of homebuilders' ability to create more inventory, new-home sales could be higher this year despite increasing mortgage rates. This underscores the importance of increased inventory in helping to get the overall housing market moving," said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s Chief Economist.

As we head into Halloween, mortgage rates continue to edge closer to the 8% mark, resulting in the longest consecutive rate rise reported since the Spring of 2022. Click through to see what else buyers may fear as we enter the final months of 2023.

The MBA reports that affordability improved slightly for the nation’s homeowners in September, as the national median payment applied for by purchase applicants fell slightly month-over-month. Click through to learn more about the changes.

“I’m telling buyers that this is the first time in years they can get a deal on a house, even with high mortgage rates,” said Austin-area Redfin Premier Agent Carmen Gioia.

With the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage edging closer to eclipsing the 8% mark, the MBA reports overall application volume falling from last week’s total, dipping to the slowest weekly pace reported since 1995.

Even though zero-down-payment programs exist, the more a person can put down on a home, the more likely they are to get approved for a mortgage and/or be offered a lower interest rate. But as with many things, it comes down to location, location, location...

New action by the Department will broaden housing and neighborhood choices for more than 800,000 total households by giving families more choices and supporting more inclusive communities. Here’s why HUD Sec. Marcia Fudge said this action “helps realize a dream that has been deferred for too long.”

Mortgage lender adds 30-year former PNC Bank and JP Morgan Chase exec to lead overall direction and manage oversight of the company’s strategic growth.

Real Estate Agent Meghan Carroll says, "Inventory levels are also still low, which is keeping the prices higher and making bidding wars commonplace here. So, it can be tough out there for some buyers–especially young, first-time buyers." Click through to read the full September 2023 Housing Report from RE/MAX.