Mortgage Demand Down For Second Week As Rates Jump

Mortgage purchase demand fell for a second week as rates hit their highest point since last November.  The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – dropped by 13.3%. The average interest rate for 30-year fixed loans rose 23 basis points to 6.62%. Purchase demand dipped to its lowest level since 1995 as a result. Adjusted purchase applications decreased by 18%, while the unadjusted index was down 4% from the week before and was 41% lower YOY. “This time of the year is typically when purchase activity ramps up, but over the past two weeks, rates have increased significantly as financial markets digest data on inflation cooling at…

CFPB Warns Of Double Dealing On Digital Mortgage Comparison Shopping Platforms

By KIMBERLEY HAAS Officials at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are warning shoppers about pay-to-play mortgage comparison shopping platforms. CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said in a statement on Tuesday that given current mortgage interest rates, it is important for homebuyers to shop and compare loan offers. “We are working to ensure that online platforms are not manipulating their search results in order to coerce kickbacks from lenders,” Chopra said. Rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hovered just above 6% last week. In a press release, CFPB officials said that American consumers looking for the best deal on mortgages often turn to comparison-shopping platforms and mobile apps. “Many of the websites and applications claim to offer ranked lists of providers suitable…

Carrington Adding Assumable Loans To Its Services

Carrington Mortgage Services, a private non-bank lender, is adding assumable mortgages to its list of services. Assumable mortgages allow buyers to assume responsibility for a seller’s loan terms. This includes the current balance, interest rate, remaining term, and any other terms of the mortgage. “Carrington is committed to ensuring borrowers have every possible opportunity to obtain a loan on the home they want,” said Greg Austin, EVP, Mortgage Lending for CMS. “Assumable mortgages are another loan option that Carrington is educating home sellers and buyers about in this very complex real estate market.” Buyers who have the opportunity to assume a mortgage with a low interest rate could see significant savings over the life of the loan. Carrington is alerting…

Selma Hepp Named CoreLogic Chief Economist

Selma Hepp has been named chief economist at CoreLogic, the company announced in a press release. “I am honored and thrilled to lead our team as we continue to generate industry-leading, data-driven insights and thought-provoking perspectives on all things housing. Given the challenges of today’s housing market, CoreLogic’s depth, wealth, and consistency of data position us to provide clear and actionable views of the property ecosystem, and bring value to our clients and broader markets,” Hepp said in a statement. Hepp was named interim chief economist in July 2022 and has now cemented the title. In her role, Hepp oversees the economics team that analyzes and forecasts housing and economic trends in real estate, mortgage, and insurance. Before her interim…

Jerry Halbrook Joins Pennymac

Pennymac has appointed fintech exec Jerry Halbrook as its Chief Mortgage Innovation Officer, the company announced in a press release. Halbrook brings four decades of experience to the company. He will be responsible for developing and launching new tech solutions and preparing for future innovations. “Pennymac welcomes Jerry and his extensive expertise as we continue to make significant strides towards building the future of technology in the mortgage banking industry,” said Doug Jones, President and Chief Mortgage Banking Officer at Pennymac.  “Jerry is a proven leader who will accelerate Pennymac’s growth in sectors where our industry is moving – especially in today’s competitive and volatile market.” His previous experience includes roles in the top 10 mortgage lenders, plus boutique firms…

Denise Miller Named VP, Controller At Monroe Community Credit Union

Denise Miller has been promoted to Vice President, Controller, at Monroe Community Credit Union. The company announced in a press release that Miller will oversee the financial and regulatory functions of the credit union while managing the accounting, payment strategies, and payment solutions departments. Her experience includes more than two decades in the financial institution industry, including as an auditor. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a double major in Accounting and Finance from Central Michigan University, and her MBA from Walsh College. “Since joining the credit union in April of 2020, Denise’s responsibilities have steadily increased in the financial operations of the credit union,” said Kristine Brenner, President/CEO of MCCU.  “As a former auditor, her…

Applications Sink Again To 22-Year Low

Mortgage loan application volume fell 1.2% last week to a 22-year low as the 30-year fixed rate rose to its highest point in almost a month, the Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows. The adjusted Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, decreased by 1.2%. The adjusted purchase index fell 1% while the unadjusted purchase index dropped 2% and was 21% lower YOY. The refinance index dropped by 3% and made up 31.1% of total applications, down 83% from the same time last year.  ARM activity fell to 6.5% of total applications. “Last week’s purchase results varied, with conventional applications declining 2% and government applications increasing 4%, which is potentially a sign of more first-time homebuyer activity.…

“Rate Lock-In,” Falling Prices Push Sellers To Sidelines

New listings fell 12% during the four-week period ending August 7, the largest YOY decline since June 2020, according to recent Redfin data. Higher mortgage rates are keeping some Americans in their homes longer than they normally would be. Some homeowners are experiencing what Redfin calls “rate lock-in,” a fear of putting their home up for sale due to a low rate they nabbed during the pandemic. Others are realizing they won’t get an offer over listing price on-demand like they could last year. “Buyers are backing off due to rising housing costs and sellers are holding back because they realize they won’t get the bidding war they would have gotten six months ago,” said Redfin Deputy Chief Economist Taylor…

Half Of Mortgaged Homes Are Equity-Rich

Nearly half of mortgaged homes in the U.S. were equity-rich in Q2, with the most equity gains concentrated in the South, according to ATTOM’s Q2 2022 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report. The report found that 48.1% of mortgaged residential properties had an estimated worth that topped their loan balances by 50% or more. That’s up from 44.9% in Q1 2022 and 34.4% YOY. At least half of all mortgagees in 18 states were equity-rich, up from just 3 states at the same time last year. It’s the ninth consecutive quarter in which the number of equity-rich homes increased. ATTOM also found that only 2.9% of mortgaged homes were considered seriously underwater in Q2, down from 3.2% in Q1 and…

Brady: Housing Inflation Crushing American Dream

By KIMBERLEY HAAS A U.S. Congressman serving the 8th district of Texas says housing inflation is crushing the American dream for families. During a hearing, Ways and Means Republican Leader Rep. Kevin Brady said American families and workers are finding that President Joe Biden’s economy is “cruel.” “Working women haven’t had it this bad in decades. The dangerous baby formula shortage, rising crime, and inflation, and now housing they can barely afford to live in. Just as with crushing gas prices, Democrats in Washington are blaming everyone under the sun for the cruel rise in housing costs: builders, local investors and developers who make the construction of new homes and neighborhoods a reality,” Brady said. He added, “Republicans have held…