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More homebuyers seek government-backed loans as an affordability lifeline

Housing Wire

The combined cost of mortgages, taxes and insurance now takes up a larger share of household income than it has since the early 1980s, according to an affordability index from John Burns Research & Consulting. I think the same could be said for most in my industry, she added. Sean Zalmanoff, founder and chief loan officer at St.

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Mortgage quality control report reveals sharp rise in insurance defects

Housing Wire

The overall defect rate for mortgages declined across all loan types between the second and third quarters of 2024. The Q3 2024 report utilized reviews and defect data that were based on mortgage audits chosen by lenders for full file reviews.

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Cause for concern? FHA, VA delinquencies are rising quickly

Housing Wire

New data released Thursday by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) revealed that the delinquency rate for mortgages on one- to four-unit residential properties increased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 3.98% of all loans outstanding at the end of 2024.

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Homebuyers are taking more risks in an obstacle-filled market

Housing Wire

housing market remains challenging for prospective buyers as concerns over mortgage rates , home prices and affordability persist in 2025. 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.

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Buy now, pay later: How do mortgage pros deal with ‘phantom debt’?

Housing Wire

Earlier this year, New Jersey-based mortgage broker Joe Racamato, president of Silex Financial Group Inc., Traditionally, Silex Financial Group ran the initial numbers for a potential borrower to qualify for a mortgage based on what’s on their credit report, according to Racamato. Meanwhile, BNPL loans are growing rapidly. “But,

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

Housing Wire

This tactic will only work if the home appraises at the higher value, of course—leaving the consumer with a larger mortgage and monthly payment. Assuming financial regulators would spend the years necessary to make the changes, a commission cannot be added into a mortgage unless the home appraises at the higher value.

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

Housing Wire

Prior to the deadline for public commentary on Tuesday, housing industry trade groups, companies and organizations responded to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s proposed rulemaking for the general qualified mortgage definition and the expiration of the QM patch in January 2021. Under § 1026.43(c)(2)(vii), Section 1026.43(c)