Morning Roundup (1/17/25) – 2025 Predictions

Good Morning! Today is Friday, January 17. Israel’s security cabinet approved a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, likely assuring the deal will pass the full cabinet and take effect on Sunday. President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders. Covid, flu, and the gastrointestinal disease norovirus are circulating the country and it is being called a “quad-demic.” The Mortgage Note Reports 2025 Predictions: Costs, inflation, and interest rates will be the biggest challenges facing the mortgage industry this year. Writer Erin Flynn Jay has the story. Winter Buyers: Demand is typically slow during the winter months, but this year buyers are applying for mortgages and locking in rates. |
Quote Of The Day “I think the new normal is 6 to 7% in this world of strong economic growth and steady inflation.” Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist on mortgage rates. |
In other mortgage and housing news… “Historic Investments”: In its final days, the Biden-Harris administration is highlighting its housing accomplishments. Housing Starts: New residential construction increased nearly 16% in December. Trouble For Equifax: The CFPB is taking action against Equifax for “its failure to conduct proper investigations of consumer disputes.” Advanced Automation: Towne Mortgage Company, a full-service mortgage lender and servicer, has started using CLARIFIRE as its servicing workflow application. Living Longer: Miami Beach wants to become one of the world’s “blue zones,” where people live longer than average. |