VA loan fee hike proposal advances in Congress, drawing industry pushback
Legislation moving through Congress would increase fees on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs loans, creating a new flashpoint for the mortgage industry.
Refinancing
Auto Added by WPeMatico
House passes bill hiking VA mortgage refi fees to fund expanded veterans’ benefits
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill that increases benefits for veterans and their surviving families, offsetting the cost by raising fees on VA refinance transactions.
Optimal Blue’s Mike Vough on borrowers staying rate anchored into 2026
Optimal Blue’s Mike Vough says borrowers remain anchored to low mortgage rates as February’s refi share slipped to 41% and ARMs rose to 10%.
Sharp decline in mortgage rates revives hopes of a refi surge, LOs say
A modest mortgage rate drop may boost refinancing by 15% to 25%, but lenders caution that activity depends on rates staying low.
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.
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.