Is the lock-in effect loosening its grip on housing? Realtor.com thinks so
U.S. homeowners who carry mortgages with rates of 6% or more now outnumber those with rates below 3%.
FHFA
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Trump directs GSEs to buy $200B in MBS to push mortgage rates lower
President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is directing representatives at the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities (MBS), a move he said is intended to bring mortgage rates down.
The list of all Trump’s actions in 2025 that impacted housing
Here are the actions the Trump administration or Congress have taken that impact housing since President Trump took office on Jan. 20, 2025.
FHFA eyes assumable and portable mortgages, raising questions for lenders
Bill Pulte said this week that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) may allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to offer assumable or portable mortgages.
WSJ: Fannie Mae officials fired amid mortgage fraud probe
Fannie Mae’s ethics team faced dismissals after investigating FHFA Director Bill Pulte’s alleged improper access to officials’ mortgage records.
A 50-year mortgage could double your interest payment
Trump’s 50-year mortgage proposal could be a tough sell due to higher interest costs and regulatory limits under current Dodd-Frank rules.
Mortgage industry backs LLPA changes but is divided over priorities
The mortgage industry largely supports changes to the loan-level price adjustment (LLPA) matrix but remains divided on priorities, with a full overhaul unlikely amid a potential stock offering of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
FHFA inspector general role vacant after reported ouster of Joe Allen
The inspector general position at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is currently vacant after the reported ouster of Joe Allen.
Debate heats up around GSEs’ potentially larger role as MBS buyers
Overall, the perception is that having new buyers of MBS would be positive for the industry, although some question whether the GSEs would be the best actors to play this role.
Real estate leaders praise federal housing action, stress first-time buyer help
NextHome co-CEO Keith Robinson and others are happy to see Washington address housing, but say more first-time homebuyers help is needed.