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First-time homebuyers made up a record share of agency purchase loans in 2023

Housing Wire

A record 47% of government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) purchase loans in 2023 came from first-time homebuyers, a number that’s been trending gradually higher throughout the past decade. Looking back, last year’s market was dominated by purchase lending, with loans to buy homes making up 82% of a historically low number of originations.

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Positive signs abound for 2024 housing market: ICE

Housing Wire

Recent market trends — including an improvement in mortgage rates, housing affordability and potential refinance opportunities — suggest positive signs for the real estate market this year, according to February’s Mortgage Monitor report from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). peak prior to the housing market downturn in 2006.

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3 unique mortgage products to get today’s homebuyer qualified

Housing Wire

Tom Davis, chief sales officer, Deephaven Mortgage Today’s market means that more borrowers have higher debt-to-income ratios, limited access to credit and are looking for alternative ways to get qualified for a mortgage. HousingWire: What factors are contributing to borrowers falling out of the Agency market?

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Mortgage industry provides commentary on CFPB’s proposed changes to QM loan definition

Housing Wire

In June, the bureau released two proposals regarding the QM Patch, which allows loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to exceed the 43% debt-to-income ratio the Bureau had established in its Ability to Repay/Qualified Mortgage rule. Under § 1026.43(c)(2)(vii), Section 1026.43(c) ” (Bolding added by MBA.).

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Freedom Mortgage founder addresses ’extraordinary’ credit profiles, profitability and products 

Housing Wire

So, start making money on every loan. Amid a challenging environment, Freedom has kept its cost structure low and has acquired loans to increase its servicing portfolio. According to Middleman, Freedom’s strategy allows the company to have a 30 basis-point cost to produce a loan. Guess what?

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UWM rolls out bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers

Housing Wire

United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the nation’s largest wholesale lender, announced on Wednesday it will accept personal or business bank statements in self-employed borrowers’ loan applications. The product is available for loans up to $3 million and up to 90% loan to value. No mortgage insurance will be required.

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Lenders: Looking to simplify closings? Work with an insurance agency

Housing Wire

HousingWire: How is today’s market shaping the need for a better customer experience particularly when it comes to closings? We’ve seen savings of up to 30% in difficult markets like Texas and Florida. In addition to finalizing a loan, there’s selecting movers, setting up utilities and more.