article thumbnail

Opinion: The not-so-surprising resurgence of home equity lending

Housing Wire

Despite rising rates, demand for home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) continues to surge with 2022 origination levels up more than 40% from a year ago, according to data from Citizens. Record levels of home equity. This too is changing as innovation in the home equity lending space has finally arrived. Customer experience.

Equity 382
article thumbnail

HUD walks back some proposed changes to HECM for Purchase program

Housing Wire

FHA will move forward with its proposal that permits contributions by the property seller, real estate agent, builder, or developer to HECM for Purchase borrowers’ closing costs,” the update said. Historically, mortgage lenders and originators have been prohibited from contributing to closing costs to protect borrowers.”

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Prioritizing home equity solutions in a rising rate environment

Housing Wire

The 2022 housing market has been underscored by interest rate spikes and refi decline and lenders are working hard to adjust to new borrower trends. HousingWire: Between inflation and additional interest rate hikes coming down the line from the Fed, why is now a smart time for lenders to start prioritizing home equity products?

Equity 348
article thumbnail

Online bank Ally launches home grant program

Housing Wire

Ally Home , the residential mortgage lending arm of Ally Bank , is offering a $5,000 grant for eligible homebuyers in the select markets of Charlotte, Detroit and Philadelphia, the company announced on Tuesday. The upfront lump sum can be applied toward a down payment, closing costs or other expenses related to the homebuying process.

Banks 373
article thumbnail

How Much Are Closing Costs in Pennsylvania?

HomeLight

Editor’s note: This post will help answer the question: How much are closing costs in Pennsylvania (PA)? The example costs provided are based on median home prices and typical fees. Your closing costs may differ depending on your circumstances and the terms of your home purchase. What are closing costs?

article thumbnail

With landmark GSE equity plans, FHFA confronts legacy of redlining

Housing Wire

We do hope the GSEs start exercising market leadership [on special purpose credit programs],” a FHFA official said on a press call today. Freddie Mac will also conduct research on formerly redlined areas, to more effectively target its equity plan.

Equity 338
article thumbnail

Opinion: Here’s what people are getting wrong about real estate commissions

Housing Wire

Any person involved in selling a home knows that you cannot increase the price of your home randomly to cover the cost of commissions and other closing costs. The market sets the price of the home, and it cares little for closing costs — or what the homeowner invested in it — when determining the price for which it will sell.