Originations

The former Obama administration official and MBA head died unexpectedly on Jan. 16.

Navy Federal, the nation's largest credit union, is facing a lawsuit about its allegedly discriminatory mortgage lending practices.

For the past week, the benchmark 10-year Treasury closed above 4%, as the markets priced in an increase in the consumer price index.

But this week the 30-year fixed rate mortgage average increased for the first time in two months.

Rates that have been below 7% for two consecutive weeks have given originators a gift at what's typically a slow time of year, Freddie Mac said.

The lawsuit accuses Navy Federal of violating the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act after a CNN report that the lender approved a lower percentage of Black and Latino mortgage applicants.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is appealing a lower court ruling that the agency exceeded its authority in bringing an anti-discrimination enforcement action against a Chicago mortgage lender after he made disparaging remarks about Blacks and Hispanics.

The Fed's announcement is responsible for a 19 basis point drop in the 10-year yield over a two-day period, pushing the 30-year fixed under 7% for the first time since August, Freddie Mac said.

Recent economic data pushed investors toward Treasurys over the past week, driving 10-year yields to as low as 4.1%.

The number of government-backed home loans transferred from one borrower to another is up significantly this year as prospective buyers look for ways to avoid elevated interest rates. Some say this is the beginning of a larger movement, but others say regulatory hurdles will get in the way.

The 30-year average declined for the fifth consecutive week, as purchase demand picking up at the same time, according to Freddie Mac.

The hike was driven by modest home price gains this year, following a larger conforming loan limit boost in 2022 in reaction to then-double-digit home price growth.

Even if the 30-year fixed were to slip further to 6.4%, it is not enough to end the seller's strike, economists said.

Relationships with brokers will be terminated on Dec. 6, but company officials stressed there would be no impact to its loan servicing or other mortgage channels.

The program helped more than 23,000 consumers establish credit scores in its first year through partnerships with three fintechs, all of which were chosen to renew their participation.

Broader economic factors, including growing household debt, are also likely to keep the housing market stagnant, Freddie Mac said.

Even though it is less than two years since it allowed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to accept such valuations, it is difficult to evaluate their effectiveness without such examinations.

American Bank of Oklahoma agreed to a consent order in August to settle allegations from the Department of Justice over redlining. However, the institution strenuously objected to references to the Tulsa Race Massacre in the agreement and asked that the language be stricken.

While the latest change applies specifically to COVID forbearances, the agency is looking at more options for alternatives that can be offered on a regular basis, Director Sandra Thompson said.

The Federal Housing Administration could increase the limits for loans it insures in this market, a congressional oversight agency said in a new report.