The U.S. Mortgage Insurers said FHA’s Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund is overdue for reforms, with the 2% capital ratio requirement not sufficient to meet the standards the GSEs and private insurers must satisfy.

The lock-in effect is expected to thaw and boost originations, but first-time homebuyers still look to be priced out of the market next year.

Refi activity at United Wholesale Mortgage and Rocket Mortgage in the third quarter overshadowed any competing lenders.

FHFA Director Bill Pulte touted possibility of a 50-year fixed-rate mortgage. Also under consideration: transferable and portable mortgages.

Federal operations that were disrupted during the shutdown are expected to bounce back, helping lenders with loans stuck in their pipelines.

Lenders urged the regulator to spell out the GSEs’ conservatorship-era obligations that could apply even if Fannie and Freddie are released.

FICO is confident the mortgage market will continue to use its credit scores even as FHFA and credit bureaus push the adoption of VantageScore.

The fourth-largest credit bureau could help reduce the cost of credit report pulls for mortgage lenders.

Sellers are looking to sell mortgage servicing rights before yearend, but at their price, not the buyer’s price.

Overall, fair housing complaints increased in 2024, though complaints tied to real estate sales and mortgage lending declined.