The biggest mortgage, lending and housing finance stories of 2021
The rise of Power Buying, regulatory battles, Fed tapering and big acquisitions rattled lending decisions and homebuyer game plans during a momentous year for the mortgage industry
by Matt Carter Dec 29
Mortgage rates dip as Omicron variant triggers market volatility
30-year mortgage rates fell to 3.05%, down 7 basis points from the week prior, according to Freddie Mac’s most recent lender survey, released Thursday
by Daniel Houston Dec 23
Before the Fed sped up tapering, mortgage rates saw little change
With mortgages likely getting more expensive for borrowers down the road, the rates for 30-year loans have been holding steady for weeks
by Daniel Houston Dec 16
Biden picks Sandra Thompson to lead Fannie and Freddie regulator
Questions about the future of the mortgage giants remain, but lending industry welcomes veteran regulator to lead FHFA
by Matt Carter Dec 14
Real estate in 2021 was weird, wild and always unpredictable
The year saw explosive rivalries, wild stock market performances and plenty of rage
by Jim Dalrymple II Dec 13
Markets remain volatile, but mortgage rates stay the course
The average rate for a 30-year, fixed rate loan was 3.10% this week, according to Freddie Mac's latest lender survey
by Daniel Houston Dec 10
The million-dollar question: Do $1M Freddie Mac mortgages conflict with affordable housing mission?
Redwood Trust, which issues 'jumbo' loans that are off limits to Fannie and Freddie, said in a new critique that costlier markets are better served by private lenders
by Matt Carter Dec 8
After rocky November, rates for 30-year mortgages stabilize above 3%
The average rate for a 30-year mortgage has been climbing in recent months and now rests 17 percent higher than its all-time low in January, according to Freddie Mac’s latest lender survey
by Daniel Houston Dec 2
Record increase in Fannie, Freddie loan limits fuels debate
An 18% increase in conforming loan limit, to $647,200, is the biggest leap in records dating to 1970
by Matt Carter Nov 30
Skyrocketing US home prices are finally beginning to slow down
September 2021 marked the first month since May 2020 in which annual home price growth decelerated, with home prices increasing 19.5% year over year, down from 19.8% in August
by Lillian Dickerson Nov 30
Recent pullback in mortgage rates lifts outlook for home demand
A monthlong upswing in mortgage rates came to a halt in the past 2 weeks, with rates for 30-year loans retreating back below 3 percent
by Daniel Houston Nov 11
Rise in mortgage rates sees hiccup — but don't expect it to last
The dip in mortgage rates this week was small compared to the rise recorded over the last month; economists say they expect more increases
by Daniel Houston Nov 5
Rates for 30-year mortgages reach highest point since early spring
Mortgage rates continued their month-long rise in mid-October as buyers and sellers navigated unusual market conditions, according to a lending survey from Freddie Mac
by Daniel Houston Oct 22
Mortgage rates continue their ascent onward into mid-October
Rates creeped upward once again across all major mortgage types, part of a rise from their all-time lows earlier this year, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly lender survey
by Daniel Houston Oct 14
More lenders jumping the gun on historic Fannie, Freddie loan limits
Rocket Mortgage and United Wholesale Mortgage — the nation's top 2 lenders — and at least 6 others are raising conforming loan limit to $625K ahead of FHFA announcement
by Matt Carter Oct 13