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

Housing Wire

Mortgage lenders should get used to the concept of ”higher for longer” interest rates and work to bring profitability to their businesses, according to Stan Middleman, founder, president and CEO at Freedom Mortgage. In September 2023, to support its operations, Freedom Mortgage raised $1.3 compared to the previous year.

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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). Mortgage rates held at 6.71% as of Jan.

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The mortgage industry is nervous about LLPA fee changes

Housing Wire

The Federal Housing Finance Agency this week made a series of significant changes to loan level pricing adjustment (LLPA) fees charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on conventional/conforming mortgages. The changes are effective starting May 1, 2023. . Homebuyers are hurting and these changes are overdue. Now is the time.”

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

Housing Wire

First-time homebuyers made up 55% of agency purchase mortgages in 2023, according to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) eMBS data, the highest such share in the 10 years ICE has been tracking the metric. In January, ICE’s conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate lock index showed rates averaging 6.6%.

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Tired of renting? 6 signs you’re ready to buy your first home

Housing Wire

In fact, depending on where you live, your monthly rent could be more expensive than your monthly mortgage. A homebuyer’s guide to a competitive housing market. A homebuyer’s guide to a competitive housing market. 3 underrated mortgage products to consider. Your Income Is Stable. How are your finances?

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Builders rediscover a tool from the 1980s that keeps new home prices from falling

Housing Wire

While sellers of existing homes have struggled with rising rates and softening demand, homebuilders have not only survived, but thrived in this market thanks to the use of mortgage rate buydowns , a tool more widely used by builders since their business is selling homes and clearing inventory.

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FHFA delays implementation of LLPA DTI fees

Housing Wire

Following a chorus of complaints from the mortgage industry, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on Wednesday announced that it would delay the implementation of a new and controversial upfront fee on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac borrowers with higher debt-to-income ratios.