The Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Agriculture are rescinding a Biden administration-era policy that they say added up to $31,000 to the cost of new homes. Processing Content President Joe Biden issued a final rule in 2024 that required newly constructed homes to abide by the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, […]
HUD, USDA kill energy rule builders called a barrier Read More »
Better Home & Finance is releasing a new product that will help homeowners access home equity. Processing Content The mortgage originator announced Wednesday the launch of its Better Home Equity Card on Stripe Issuing. The card offers a simpler and digital alternative to high-cost unsecured debt for home renovations and improvements, the company said. “Homeowners
Better partners with Stripe to launch home equity card Read More »
Key insight: Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., officially dropped his opposition to Warsh’s nomination with an aye vote, despite ongoing parts of the DOJ investigation against current Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. What’s at stake: Fed independence has been the theme of Warsh’s nomination, with outstanding questions about Warsh’s willingness to lower rates at President Donald Trump’s
Warsh clears Senate Banking Committee Read More »
While Two Harbors Investment returned to profitability in the first quarter on a GAAP basis, the real estate investment trust reported a loss using a non-GAAP metric, comprehensive income. Processing Content Shares of Two Harbors rose 55 cents to $11.56 in the first 10 minutes of Wednesday trading, after CrossCountry raised its acquisition offer to
Two Harbors turns GAAP profit amid CrossCountry bid Read More »
Fannie Mae reported a stronger profit in the first quarter as the company continues to get leaner. Processing Content The government-sponsored enterprise recorded $3.7 billion in net income during the period, a 5% quarterly increase and on par with its winter result a year ago. Executives cited a shift from fair value losses to gains,
Fannie Mae single-family loan acquisitions reach 3-year high Read More »
Bank groups said that although the Federal Reserve’s eased capital plans are a major improvement over previous versions, the recent proposals still need changes to help avoid risk assessments they say may hinder banks’ ability to boost lending. Processing Content Heads of the Washington-based Bank Policy Institute and the Mortgage Bankers Association, among others, testified
Bank groups eye changes to Fed’s relaxed capital plans Read More »
New residential construction in the US rose in March to the highest level in more than a year as homebuilders boosted production despite ongoing affordability concerns. Processing Content Housing starts increased 10.8% to an annual pace of 1.5 million homes in March, the highest since December 2024, according to figures released Wednesday by the Census
Housing starts surge to highest level since December 2024 Read More »
At some point, as you start thinking about the years ahead, this question tends to come up: “Could I stay here long-term… or would it make more sense to move?” It’s not always urgent. It often shows up in small moments, like going up and down the stairs, keeping up with the maintenance, or just
Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Age Read More »
After rising mortgage rates dampened the start to a once promising spring homebuying season, industry veteran Brain Hale expects struggles to continue throughout the rest of the year, and possibly into 2027. Processing Content Mergers and acquisitions have increased as a result, with notable moves including Rocket’s purchase of Mr. Cooper and Redfin, CrossCountry’s acquisition
Mortgage vet: 2026 will be ‘a very tough year’ Read More »
As the mortgage industry planned for 2026, it anticipated a strong purchase market, benefitting from a declining interest rate environment. Processing Content Early reports were lining up for a good spring homebuying season. In late February, several sources, including the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, had the conforming 30-year fixed close to or under
2026’s Top Producers: numbers 100-51 Read More »