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.