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More homebuyers seek government-backed loans as an affordability lifeline

Housing Wire

I think the same could be said for most in my industry, she added. 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.

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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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Cause for concern? FHA, VA delinquencies are rising quickly

Housing Wire

Although mortgage delinquencies rose only ten basis points in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to one year ago, the composition of the delinquencies changed, Marina Walsh , the MBAs vice president of industry analysis, said a statement. 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%.

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How will first-time buyers fare if sellers can’t offer buyer agent compensation?

Housing Wire

As real estate practitioners adjust to the practice changes that took effect in August, and the industry waits for final approval of the NAR settlement from the court in November, questions continue about seller offers of compensation. These are the questions that advocates who want to upend the real estate industry further cannot answer.

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Mortgage quality control report reveals sharp rise in insurance defects

Housing Wire

Loan applicants also struggled as rising premiums made it difficult for them to qualify for mortgages due to higher debt-to-income ratios. In Q3 2024, however, weather-related natural disasters caused providers to raise insurance premiums.

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The long anticipated transformation of the L.O.’s role is here

Housing Wire

Things like AI, well-integrated technology, consumer expectations and the rise of a number of innovative new business models have turned the industry on its head, and for the better in many cases. The modern LO routinely analyzes debt-to-income ratios in the context of retirement savings goals.

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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.