Mortgages

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.

Anne Marie Pippin, associate director in the Federal Housing Finance Agency's Office of Financial Technology, weighs the forces shaping the industry's future.

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.

Stress tests suggest systemically important depositories could weather current risks. Meanwhile, single-family arrears remain low, but that business could be impacted.

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.

Some proposed changes to uniform mortgage-backed securities, apartment loans and derivatives will be made while one involving credit reports and scores was pulled.

The former Trump-appointed Federal Housing Finance Agency head offers insights on the road ahead for mortgage lenders and residential real estate at large.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency's report on the system at 100 years old signals major shifts in both policy and structure are on the horizon.

News reports of the negative impact to borrowers from the partial claims program's discontinuation, and a letter from Senate Democrats, appear to have prompted the statement.