October 2025

How mortgage rates have been affected by federal shutdown

The federal government shutdown and the resulting delay in the monthly employment report was the catalyst for the small movement in mortgage rates this past week. This data “would have been a key market mover for mortgage rates, offering insight into how much the Federal Reserve might adjust monetary policy in response to a cooling […]

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Lagging builder stocks face new worry from Bill Pulte’s ire

President Donald Trump and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte are fueling a deeper selloff in already struggling homebuilder stocks. A series of social media posts, from the US president over the weekend and then from the FHFA director and real estate scion Pulte on Wednesday, are helping put an S&P gauge of builders

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Pulte hints at how Fannie, Freddie may spur builder activity

Bill Pulte, the head of the oversight agency for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, signaled that he will be taking steps to follow up on President Trump’s call for them to put a new focus on home construction companies. One step will involve tracking megabuilders’ business, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Pulte indicated in an

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Foreclosures tick up in Q3, signaling borrower stress

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Optimal Blue suit alleges cartel-style mortgage fixing

A new class action lawsuit accuses Optimal Blue and 26 lenders of price fixing and inflating mortgage costs for millions of consumers.  The complaint says the industry’s biggest players violated antitrust law in sharing sensitive home loan data with competitors and subsequently raising rate spreads. Borrowers specifically scrutinize Optimal Blue’s competitive analytics and Competitive Data

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Shutdown hampers rates, rural, HECM and niche condo loans

The lingering government shutdown has increased rate uncertainty, and cut off or curtailed some specialized mortgages while mainstream business moves forward, albeit at a slower pace in some cases. “Until key reports like payrolls and the CPI return, rates are likely to remain range-bound but vulnerable to sudden shifts,” said Sam Williamson, chief economist at

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Anne Winicki joins Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty in Florida

Florida-based Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty announced that Anne Winicki has joined the firm — following a standout career at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices where she earned top accolades across Florida and the Gulf Coast region. Winicki built a reputation as one of the premier real estate professionals in northwest Florida. According to RealTrends Verified agent rankings,

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Illinois offers affordable entry points for first-time buyers

Illinois stands out for affordability as sales stay competitive. HW Data’s Oct. 3 report shows a statewide median list price of $317,000 with 16,108 active listings. The Market Action Index continues to lower and about 36% of active listings recorded a price reduction during the week. New supply totaled 1,810 listings while 2,103 homes moved

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ALTA Good Deeds Foundation awards $105K in grants, honors late board chair

The American Land Title Association (ALTA) Good Deeds Foundation has awarded $105,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations across the country, the group announced Tuesday during ALTA ONE. That new round of giving brings the foundation’s total charitable contributions to $1,361,000 since its launch in October 2020. The announcement came with reflection on the recent passing

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