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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. He noted that despite a national slowdown in home sales , St.

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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. On average, its borrowers’ FICO scores are 740 and debt-to-income ratios are 30%.

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

Housing Wire

But for first-time and other cash-strapped buyers—those who are not relying on the proceeds of a home sale, who may be using a 100% financed VA loan, whose agents may be layering forms of assistance to put together enough cash for closing—knowing in advance about the seller’s contribution to their agent costs may be essential.

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Flyhomes acquires Home Sale Assured

Housing Wire

Proptech firm Flyhomes has entered into an agreement to purchase Innovative Holdings, LLC’s “buy before you sell” platform Home Sale Assured. Founded in 2022 by Eric Meadow, Home Sale Assured produces a “Guaranteed Backup” options contract, which enables existing homeowners to buy their next home before closing the sale of their current home.

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

Housing Wire

The modern LO routinely analyzes debt-to-income ratios in the context of retirement savings goals. Their job is to provide comprehensive guidance on long-term financial planning, rather than simply matching borrowers to available products. And the best LOs genuinely welcome this.

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First-time homebuyers becoming first-time home sellers

Housing Wire

Whatever that looks like, they’re kind of maxing out with the debt-to-income ratio. This emotional burden has shifted priorities, with many sellers valuing convenience over maximizing their sale price. They’re getting a loan. With the average U.S.