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The overlooked homebuyer segment that could drive your growth strategy
Mortgage professionals are no strangers to the term first-time homebuyer. Typically defined as anyone who hasn’t owned a principal residence in the last three years, it’s a familiar phrase embedded in underwriting guidelines, down payment assistance programs, and marketing materials. But another group is quietly redefining the homeownership landscape, and it deserves far more attention.
Did lower mortgage rates already lower housing inventory?
Last week we saw an actual decline in inventory week to week, which is rare for this time of year compared to recent years.
Trump seems to confirm 2025 timing for Fannie, Freddie IPO
On Saturday, President Trump seemed to acknowledge that he plans to IPO Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the end of this year.
FHA further extends foreclosure, eviction moratorium for Helene and Milton victims
The moratorium was previously scheduled to expire on April 11, but has now been pushed to July 10 according to a new Mortgagee Letter.
Refi activity surged in March, and non-agency loans are picking up steam
A strong wave of refinance activity and renewed buyer interest lifted mortgage rate lock volumes in March, according to Optimal Blue’s latest Market Advantage report. Data shows a 24% monthly jump in overall lock activity, driven by falling interest rates and the start of the spring buying season.
Fannie Mae fires over 100 employees, citing unethical conduct
The firings at Fannie Mae appear to be connected to a matching grants program and an Indian-American nonprofit.
WSJ: Agents are struggling to sell in disaster-stricken areas
The Wall Street Journal spoke to agents in disaster-prone areas to gauge the difficulty of selling high-end homes and detail their methods for bringing buyers aboard.
“I scratch your back and you scratch mine”: How Realtors are working together in a tough market
I had just landed in Mexico when my phone started blowing up. A client needed to see a house— and of course they needed to see it immediately. Another agent was asking for an open house on the condo for the 3rd weekend in a row. A title company had a question about closing documents. In the past, I would have gone straight into panic “let’s get it done” mode, trying to balance piña coladas with last-minute texts and frantic calls.
What went wrong at Redfin?
Redfin launched with the intention of redefining the real estate industry, but in a turbulent housing market, its signature innovation may have ultimately ended its run as a standalone company.
