Mortgages

The American Bankers Association's latest Credit Conditions Index points to a drop in lending and a rise in loan delinquencies through the second and third quarters.

Two housing-policy experts whose previous recommendations have been closely followed by the Biden administration are defending the Federal Home Loan Banks, raising the stakes in a debate over whether a major overhaul is needed.

This congressionally mandated mission plays a critical role in funding important projects in communities across the country.

The agency said it will include home valuation practices in its fair lending review. It's the latest effort by a Washington regulator to root out discriminatory practices in the profession.

The new foreclosure prevention option will be available for servicers' use on a voluntary basis starting on July 1 and will become mandatory in situations where it's appropriate for borrowers beginning Oct. 1.

The agency, which oversees government-related investors that set underwriting parameters in the U.S. mortgage market, estimates the process will begin in 2024.

The $1.25 trillion-asset Home Loan Bank System collectively issued $303.9 billion in discount notes and bonds last week, with demand tapering dramatically from $111.8 billion on Monday to $21.7 billion by Friday.

The system of 11 regional banks issued a combined $137 billion of bonds and discount notes on Tuesday and Wednesday, after selling $112 billion on Monday, the largest single day of issuance in its 90-year history.

Both 30- and 15-year averages dropped for the first time in six weeks, as investors flocked to safety of 10-year Treasuries.

The new fees based on the DTI, which lenders have said is too likely to vary throughout the origination process for a single loan, will now go into effect in August.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a new report on junk fees and CFPB Director Rohit Chopra spoke at a White House virtual meeting encouraging states to tackle the proliferation of junk fees through legislation.

More than 90% of appraisers are white, and researchers have found that bias leads to lower valuations for homeowners of color. A Flagstar executive said the mortgage-focused bank is "not just going to sit on the sidelines and watch this happen."

The Federal Housing Finance Agency head has said: "The status quo is not acceptable." She could not be more correct.

The increase reflects the rise in the 10-year Treasury yield, which is back above 4% for the first time since that month.

The lack of housing — particularly on the lower price range — is becoming an increasingly urgent political issue. But it's also a twisted bramble of tradeoffs that politicians are reluctant to touch.

Overall, depository share has shrunk, but the major player, which had reduced its involvement, has been increasing it and recently shared some thoughts with a HUD official.

Reducing access to funding would harm both homebuyers and communities across the country.

Persistent inflation concerns drove the 30-year average up 41 basis points this month.

The cut reverts the mortgage insurance requirement to pre-financial crisis levels.

Community Financial Credit Union is partnering with the hosts of "Bargain Block" to renovate low-cost homes and help prospective buyers qualify for their first mortgage.