November mortgage lock data driven by strong refinance activity
November’s mortgage rate-lock activity slowed but posted the strongest results in four years, driven by a surge in refinances.
Refinancing
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Making the 7-day refi reality: Modernizing mortgage appraisals
For many borrowers, the appraisal is the most stressful step in a refinance: part mystery, part high-stakes hurdle. Will the home appraise high enough? Will it delay closing? What actually determines the final value?
Who keeps the borrower? A deep dive into servicer retention
Data from ICE Mortgage Technology shared with HousingWire offers a deep dive into servicers’ performance at keeping a borrower in their books after a refinance transaction.
How will lenders recalibrate as Fed signals path to lower rates?
Mortgage lenders are recalibrating ahead of the Federal Reserve’s anticipated monetary easing cycle, rolling out rate promotions, streamlining operations and broadening product menus.
Optimal Blue: Rate-and-term refis soar 70% in August
Borrowers rushed to refinance in August as mortgage rates eased, pushing rate-and-term lock volume up 70% from July, according to Optimal Blue’s Mortgage Market Advantage report.
Mortgage lending activity sees ‘typical spring bounce’
The $601.7 billion in loan volume in the second quarter of 2025 was up 22.8% from the first quarter and 10.3% year over year.
This year’s homebuyers need larger rate drops for refi benefits
A Neighbors Bank analysis found that a 0.25-point interest rate decline left the average borrower $2,424 underwater after three years.
TransUnion: Mortgage, home equity lending grow despite high rates
Rate-and-term refinances climbed 44% and cash-out refis increased 15%. Home equity originations had their strongest annual growth since 2022.
The Fed could cut rates in September. Mortgage pros are skeptical of the impact
While many expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates at its September meeting, mortgage professionals caution that even if it happens, it won’t significantly impact the industry.
‘Dating the rate’ misled borrowers. Now they’re financially strained
An out-of-date mantra that once lured in prospective homebuyers is being criticized by mortgage originators who say clients were “misled.”