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Record home equity masks troubling rise in underwater loans
ICE says U.S. mortgage equity hit a record $18T, with $11.7T tappable. But more borrowers are underwater, signaling servicers and lenders must watch distress even as overall homeowner wealth rises.
Rethink capacity: 7% rates end near-term volume hopes
Mortgage rates have been pushed back toward 7% as Treasury yields rose and credit spreads widened, killing hopes for near-term volume growth. Mortgage professionals should expect muted refinance and purchase demand and rethink capacity planning.
Appraisal scam leads to $65M worth of defective loans
A former appraiser used stolen credentials to fake inspections on Florida homes, creating more than $65 million in defective loans. Mortgage pros should tighten appraisal-verification controls to avoid fraud-driven repurchase and credit risk.
Servicing costs per loan climb as policy shifts bite
Servicing direct operating costs rose a few dollars per loan as policy and regulatory changes pushed up expenses. Mortgage servicers should expect tighter margins and more pressure to invest in systems, compliance, and customer service.
A surge of AI-generated lawsuits is causing servicers pain
AI-generated, self-represented borrower lawsuits are surging against mortgage servicers. That means higher legal costs and more foreclosure delays for servicing teams.
AI-mortgage broker Ralo opens, raises $2.9M of capital
Ralo, which claims to be the first AI mortgage broker, launched with a $2.9 million seed round backed by Y Combinator and others. It aims to automate the full mortgage process, signaling potential disintermediation of loan officers, processors and underwriters.
Mortgage applications dip down as rates hold steady
Mortgage applications fell 3.8% last week as rates stayed in the mid-6% range. For mortgage pros, steady rates still mean softer refi and purchase volume despite modest year-over-year gains.
Where to get mortgage loan originator training
Mortgage companies are expanding loan originator training programs, with MBA’s School of Loan Origination offering one of the longest-running online options. For mortgage professionals, this means better access to compliant, quality-focused education that can reduce repurchase risk and file rework.
Fed's Barr: Strong bank regulation curbs nonbank risks
Fed Gov. Michael Barr warned that bank deregulation will weaken financial stability and raise crisis risk. For mortgage professionals, tighter bank rules could constrain bank competition while increasing pressure on nonbank lenders.
Mortgage fraud risk drops 9%; investor loans a concern
Mortgage application fraud risk fell 9% to 1-in-129, the best level since Q2 2023. But investor and multifamily loans still show the highest risk, so lenders should keep tighter screening on those files.
Onity updates reverse mortgage deal, preps share buyback
Onity won Ginnie Mae approval for its reverse mortgage deal with Finance of America after cutting the servicing rights sold. The move brings Onity closer to exiting originations while preserving subservicing revenue, and it also authorized a share buyback.
Fed's Barr: Regulatory relief increased big bank profits, not lending
Fed Gov. Michael Barr said recent regulatory relief has boosted big bank profits, buybacks and pay, not lending or community banks. For mortgage pros, looser rules may not expand credit and could raise future systemic risk.
Fannie, Freddie shares dip as Pulte's added role raises questions
Fannie and Freddie shares fell after FHFA Director Bill Pulte was named acting Director of National Intelligence while keeping his GSE roles. Mortgage pros should expect more uncertainty around policy and oversight as Pulte oversees both housing finance and national security.
Fannie Mae raises mortgage rate forecast through 2027
Fannie Mae now expects the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to average 6.3% through 2026 and stay around 6.2% in 2027. That means mortgage professionals should plan for a higher-rate, low-movement market to persist until at least 2028.
Fannie, Freddie's latest bull says traders underpricing IPO odds
Mizuho's Dan Dolev says traders are underpricing a 2028 IPO for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, assigning 30% and 20% odds, respectively. For mortgage professionals, a public-market exit could shift GSE pricing, capital access and secondary-market strategy.
eXp expands platform with acquisition of NextHome
eXp World Holdings acquired NextHome, adding 500+ franchises to its platform. For mortgage pros, this signals a larger, multi-model network that could broaden referral and partnership opportunities.