HW+ provides career-making insights and analysis for those in Mortgage, Real Estate and FinTech. This long-form digital content provides members with news nowhere else and digs deeper into the “why” behind the daily news cycle. To join the HW+ community, click here.
Government job growth kills possibility of July rate cut
This report makes the July rate cut almost impossible unless jobless claims data starts to worsen, since that data line improved today too.
Job growth beats expectations as pressure mounts on Powell to cut rates
The housing industry is desperate for good news on interest rates, but it didn’t get any from Thursday’s jobs report.
How bank statement loans work: 2025 guide for America’s 10 million self-employed borrowers
A bank statement loan — also called a Bank Statement Mortgage—lets self-employed borrowers qualify with 12–24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns or W-2s.
Report suggests capital gains tax is discouraging older homeowners from downsizing
Some older homeowners are discouraged to sell because their home sale proceeds will be lower after paying the required capital gains taxes.
Michael S. Barr will step down as Fed vice chair
Michael S. Barr will step down from his position as vice chair for supervision of the Federal Reserve Board. His resignation is effective Feb. 28, or until a successor is confirmed, the board announced Monday.
HUD seeks feedback on climate resiliency measures to address insurance costs
HUD is seeking more information on making properties more resilient to extreme weather in the hope of impacting insurance premiums.
Downside risk to home sales is limited despite 7% rates: Fannie Mae
The downside risk to home sales is limited as more sales are being driven by life events and not discretionary move-up buyers, said Fannie Mae’s ESR group.
Title insurance premium volume dropped 37% in Q2 2023
ALTA reports a 37% annual decline in title premium volume during Q2 2023 due to high mortgage rates and low housing inventory.
Housing inventory gone wild
Housing inventory has been volatile. Two weeks ago, active listings grew by 343. Last week, active listings grew by 9,470.
