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More homebuyers seek government-backed loans as an affordability lifeline

Housing Wire

The Burns Affordability Index, which measures the ratio of housing costs to income, is now at 42.4%, a figure that’s well above the historic norm of 32.8%. Louis -based Better Rate Mortgage , noted that in his local area, FHA loans are more common for those with higher debt-to-income ratios.

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Southern states had the highest mortgage denial rates in 2023: NAR

Housing Wire

These include insufficient credit or income, changes in credit scores and high debt-to-income ratios. “A loan-to-value ratio that is too high, either because of a limited down payment or an appraisal of the home that resets the value used to calculate this ratio, can also be a factor,” she said.

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Will the 2025 housing market crash like 2008?

Housing Wire

housing market is flashing warning signs reminiscent of 2008: rising household debt burdens, persistent inflation and home prices that are outpacing incomes. Debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) are a primary concern. Consumer debt stress is fueling additional risks in the 2025 housing market. The 2025 U.S.

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Deephaven Mortgage goes all in with expansion of home equity offerings

Housing Wire

According to Davis, rising home prices have led homeowners to tap into their equity for purposes such as debt consolidation , home renovation and student loan repayment. The Deephaven HELOC has a maximum loan size of $400,000 and a max loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 85%. The minimum FICO score to qualify is 680.

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Homebuyers are taking more risks in an obstacle-filled market

Housing Wire

A NerdWallet report with second-quarter 2024 data found that the average monthly housing payment was $3,500 or 49% of the median income for those in the typical first-time homebuyer age group. ADUs are also gaining popularity as homeowners seek rental income to offset mortgage expenses. ADU is a big requirement now.

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Cause for concern? FHA, VA delinquencies are rising quickly

Housing Wire

The higher delinquency rates for FHA and VA loans are attributed to borrowers with lower credit scores and higher debt-to-income ratios. Specifically, conventional loans are performing much better than Federal Housing Administration and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs loans. And likewise, it’s gone up for VA.

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No undue risk! Freddie Mac’s Sonu Mittal on new buyback remedy, appraisal waiver extensions

Housing Wire

In an exclusive interview with HousingWire , Mittal — the head of single-family acquisitions at Freddie Mac — said that the fee-based alternative will remain relevant in any mortgage rate environment as the enterprise “wants to incent lenders to improve their manufacturing quality.” points,” Mittal said. billion in appraisal fees to date.