In the crazy world of economics, with all the drama last week, it was a pretty normal housing week. Housing data showed year-over-year growth, weekly pending home sales rose, inventory declined slightly and mortgage rates were very steady, considering the conflict with Iran. Let’s take a look at probably the calmest sector in the economy […]
Housing demand is up and inventory is down, even with Iran conflict Read More »
Oil prices are surging and mortgage rates are roughly flat so far today. It has been a crazy day in the bond market: the 10-year yield first went lower after the jobs report, then Trump posted that the goal in Iran is “ultimate surrender,” which sent the 10-year yield higher with oil prices over $90.
Negative jobs report keeps mortgage rates calm amid surging oil prices Read More »
In a sign of a still-softening labor market, U.S. employers eliminated 92,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in February, according to data released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Economists say the report is unlikely to change the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates. Meanwhile, the jobs numbers for December 2025 were downwardly revised
Job market softens as US payrolls fall by 92K in February Read More »
Housing advocates warn that recent changes to a federal rural lending program could sharply limit homeownership opportunities for low-income families in California communities. The California Coalition for Rural Housing said revisions made Feb. 10 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Section 502 Direct Loan program reduce the maximum loan amount allowed under the program
USDA rural housing loan changes could limit California buyers Read More »
Senate Democrats, led by Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, last week unveiled legislation aimed at curbing corporate ownership of single-family homes and redirecting federal tax benefits toward affordable housing development. The bill, known as the American Homeownership Act, would eliminate major tax breaks and other federal housing benefits for private equity
Democrats propose bill targeting corporate housing tax breaks Read More »
Fair housing and immigrant advocacy groups are urging a federal court in Texas to reject a proposed settlement between Colony Ridge Development LLC and federal agencies over alleged predatory lending practices. The groups say that key provisions of the agreement are “unlawful, unnecessary and unrelated to the underlying case.” Under the proposed terms, Colony Ridge
Colony Ridge settlement faces court challenge in Texas Read More »
One of the odd things about Monday’s bond action and oil prices is that I didn’t believe the markets were taking the Iran situation seriously yet, given other data lines. Oil prices rose on Monday, but not to levels that I would consider escalation fears, nor did the 10-year yield, which closed at 4.05%. This
Markets are starting to price in escalation with Iran, but not fully yet Read More »
Spring is right around the corner and mortgage rates are already under 6%, but now we have a new variable: war with Iran. Now the question is whether the conflict in Iran will send rates lower or higher before the seasonal push in housing comes. Last week was already interesting as the 10-year yield closed
Will war with Iran send mortgage rates higher or lower? Read More »
The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) has added Capital One to its Executive Council for Housing Affordability, a group of private-sector leaders focused on expanding access to affordable housing. Gina Metrakas, vice president and head of federal advocacy at Capital One, will represent the company on the council. Metrakas previously held senior leadership roles at the
Capital One joins BPC housing affordability council Read More »
Mortgage rates are at multiyear lows, whether you quote Mortgage News Daily at 5.99% or Freddie Mac weekly data at 5.98%. The drop has come at a good time, as the spring housing market is about to start, with more Americans looking to sell their homes and buy another. First-time homebuyers are looking at the
Mortgage rates fall to multiyear lows in time for spring housing market Read More »