The Federal Housing Finance Agency has formally set updated housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, outlining expectations for how the government-sponsored enterprises will continue to support affordable housing access over the coming years. The goals, which apply to single-family and multifamily lending, are intended to reinforce the GSEs’ role in serving low- and moderate-income households while maintaining safety and soundness in a housing market shaped by affordability pressures and uneven supply.
Mortgage rates moved modestly higher this week, extending a pattern of volatility that has defined the market in recent months. While the increase was not dramatic, it underscored the fragile balance between optimism for eventual rate relief and persistent concerns about inflation, economic resilience, and the Federal Reserve’s path forward. For borrowers and lenders alike, the latest movement reinforces how sensitive mortgage pricing remains to shifting market expectations.
Rising home insurance costs are becoming an increasingly disruptive force in the U.S. mortgage market, adding a new layer of complexity to an already strained housing finance system. As premiums climb sharply in many parts of the country, lenders and borrowers alike are confronting last-minute loan disruptions, higher monthly housing payments, and unexpected qualification hurdles that threaten to derail transactions late in the process.
The major mortgage backers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have recently curtailed publication of several of their longstanding public housing-market surveys and economic forecasts. This marks a sharp shift away from a history of openly sharing data that many lenders, analysts, and policymakers have relied on to gauge market sentiment and make informed decisions.
Several of the largest U.S. real estate platforms are predicting that mortgage rates will see minimal movement in 2026, maintaining a pattern of stability rather than dramatic shifts. Despite hopes for a significant drop, most forecasts suggest rates will remain anchored in the low-6% range throughout the year.
In cases where borrowers are unable to qualify due to unacceptable credit, lenders may provide credit repair coaching as a customer service benefit.Providing this service will allow the consumer to reapply at a later date with more success. Prior to issuing an adverse action, explore all options for approval. This will allow you to provide detailed information to the borrower regarding areas where their credit application can be improved.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
For many years credit scoring was not present and the analysis of an applicant’s credit report was very subjective. The review was often loaded with cultural biases and had no rhyme or reason.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
As we all know, until the late nineties when there was no concept of an automated underwriting system, processors had to manually process and underwriters had to manually underwrite a file.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Something happened this week and it was big enough that I’m sure you’ve heard or read about it unless you’ve been camping out under a rock. Let me say this- Allied Home Mortgage. So you’ve heard?
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
After a long, hard Winter in many areas of the U.S., Spring is on the horizon which means business is about to pick up again for many of us with the start of construction season. This means NOW is the time to take a look at your loan processing and submission habits to seek out areas of improvement. Below are some standard processor submission tips to help you submit high quality, complete loan files to your underwriters.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Hello Everybody – Hope everyone is staying busy. In my hunt for a topic every week, sometimes it is easy and other times, I haven’t a clue what I will write about until the last minute. This week was one of those last minute thoughts – so I hope this blog is helpful.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Written By: Stacey Sprain
As an FHA originator, processor or underwriter, it’s likely that in the ongoing foreclosure market you’ll run across a HUD REO loan at some point. The purpose of this multi-part article is to provide you with some useful information to help in your endeavors.