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More homebuyers seek government-backed loans as an affordability lifeline

Housing Wire

Affordability is a real challenge right now, and with the fact that FHA and VA loans require a lower down payment, and allow for the debt-to-income ratio to go higher than conventional, these types of loans are the bulk of what we are seeing in the market right now. Sean Zalmanoff, founder and chief loan officer at St.

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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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Refi activity surged in March, and non-agency loans are picking up steam

Housing Wire

Debt ratios improve : The average debt-to-income ratio declined from 37.3% in March, reflecting stronger income growth relative to household debt, a sign of improving borrower financial health. The rise suggests that higher-credit borrowers are leading the current refinance wave. in February to 36.7%

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Homebuyers are taking more risks in an obstacle-filled market

Housing Wire

We write so many mortgages at maximum debt-to-income ratios, then taxes and insurance go up, and people struggle to afford their home very quickly, said Matt Hefner, an LO with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. Meanwhile, climate-related risks are also impacting home values.

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Deephaven Mortgage goes all in with expansion of home equity offerings

Housing Wire

On average, its borrowers’ FICO scores are 740 and debt-to-income ratios are 30%. Some lenders extend 90% LTV caps on similar products, but Davis calls this a “marketing play,” adding that Deephaven’s typical production falls between the high-60% and low-70% LTV range.

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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. The rate for FHA loans increased by 57 bps to 11.03%, and the rate for VA loans rose by 12 bps to 4.70%. They tend to be more vulnerable to economic stressors like job losses or inflation.

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Will the 2025 housing market crash like 2008?

Housing Wire

Yet, the growing share of income devoted to debt payments signals a need for heightened oversight and proactive measures to prevent financial strain from destabilizing the housing market. Debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) are a primary concern.

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