Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation Mortgage Review
Freddie Mac has just launched a new renovation loan product known as the “Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation Mortgage.” While the name is a bit of a… Read More »Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation Mortgage Review
Mortgage News
The latest real estate and mortgage industry news, digested. Look beyond the headlines to better understand what’s really happening.
I’ve been covering the mortgage industry since 2006, at a time when scores of banks and lenders were closing their doors after some very big boom years.
In fact, you can see my ongoing list of mortgage layoffs and closures if you’re curious just how many companies didn’t survive that period.
Fortunately, the climate has improved considerably since then, despite a big uptick in mortgage rates lately.
This too has led to companies merging or folding entirely, though this time around due to a lack of volume as opposed to an increase in loan defaults.
I strive to write compelling mortgage news stories, whether it’s the top lenders for a given year, a novel mortgage product, new loan limits, or a big policy change.
You can see all my latest mortgage news posts below.
A Startup Called ZeroDown Just Launched to Help Home Buyers Lease to Own
It’s starting to feel a little like 2006 again. Recently, we’ve seen mortgage lenders launching interest-only mortgages, 40-year mortgage terms, and now a company by… Read More »A Startup Called ZeroDown Just Launched to Help Home Buyers Lease to Own
Young Homeowners Are Having More Mortgage Regrets
While homeowners of all ages are mostly happy they purchased a property, younger borrowers seem to be regretting their mortgages more than the rest of… Read More »Young Homeowners Are Having More Mortgage Regrets
Redfin Direct: Buy a Redfin-Listed Home Without a Real Estate Agent
First Redfin brought us the 1% listing fee, which disrupted the traditional 2.5% to 3% listing agents charge(d) to sell a home. But that still… Read More »Redfin Direct: Buy a Redfin-Listed Home Without a Real Estate Agent
Study: Open Houses Result in Faster, More Expensive Home Sales
Aside from tracking mud through your beautiful home, it turns out open houses actually lead to higher sales prices and less time on market, per… Read More »Study: Open Houses Result in Faster, More Expensive Home Sales
Zillow Home Loans Is Now Live
Following the announcement made last summer to acquire Mortgage Lenders of America, “Zillow Home Loans” is now officially open for business. The new division of… Read More »Zillow Home Loans Is Now Live
Chase Launches Free Biweekly Mortgage Payment Option
In an effort to make life a little easier for its mortgage customers, Chase has launched a new suite of “flexible automatic payments,” including a… Read More »Chase Launches Free Biweekly Mortgage Payment Option
2019 FHA Loan Limits Rise: Floor Climbs Above $300k
Following the release of the 2019 conforming loan limit, HUD announced the 2019 FHA loan limits, which like the former will move higher next year.… Read More »2019 FHA Loan Limits Rise: Floor Climbs Above $300k
2019 Conforming Loan Limit Will Be $484,350 for Mortgages Backed by Fannie and Freddie
As expected, the conforming loan limit for 2019 has increased thanks to an ongoing rise in property values, according to a news bulletin released by… Read More »2019 Conforming Loan Limit Will Be $484,350 for Mortgages Backed by Fannie and Freddie
Wells Fargo the Top Mortgage Lender in 2017, Quicken Tops for Number of Loans
Despite closing a higher number of mortgage loans last year, Quicken Loans was unable to wrestle the coveted top spot away from Wells Fargo, per… Read More »Wells Fargo the Top Mortgage Lender in 2017, Quicken Tops for Number of Loans