Mortgage

Expectations that the Federal Reserve would cut rates at its September meeting narrowed mortgage spreads and dramatically aided affordability issues in the housing market. Mortgage rates, which had been north of 7% for much of 2024, fell to the low-to-mid 6% range starting in early September on the expectation that the economy has sufficiently weakened and a new monetary policy would soon be in effect. The Fed on Sept. 18 lowered the benchmark rate by 50 basis points and is expected to lower rates two more times in 2024 as the 2% inflation target goal moves into focus. Refinances and overall mortgage applications have reached their highest level in more than two years, with more than half of applications being refis. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported in September that the average independent mortgage bank turned a $693 profit per loan in the second quarter of 2024 and about 78% of lenders were profitable. Quarterly volume picked up, as did productivity and the closings-to-applications pull through, which helped lower production costs by about $1,800 per loan. While existing-home sales continue to lag historical levels, inventory is now above 2019 levels in some key markets, particularly in areas of Texas and Florida. Home prices grew again in Q2, but the pace of price increases has fallen.

In turn, it’s perhaps more important than ever for industry professionals to stay in the loop on what’s happening within the mortgage industry. From industry insights to expert analysis and mortgage rate forecasts, HousingWire’s mortgage industry coverage can help keep you informed on the news you need the most, even in the most unusual of markets. Sign up here to get the latest in leading mortgage news delivered to your inbox each day.

Mortgage News

Tough Calls: Lessons from Volcker, inflation, and the Fed’s crossroads 

Jan 16, 2025By Mark Milam

“The standard of living of the average American has to decline,” he said. “I don’t think you can escape  that.” These were the words of Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker as he testified before Congress in October 1979. Inflation was 13%. Volcker’s predecessors, Arthur Burns and William Miller, had  failed to control prices. Stagflation gripped the United States. We were in an economic death spiral.  

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