Applications for both purchase mortgages and refinances increased last week as interest rates declined.

“While speculation continues around the potential privatization of the government-sponsored enterprises, Morningstar DBRS does not view any changes to [their] status as likely for the length of the credit rating outlook period given the complexities and potential consequences of such an action, especially considering the current macroeconomic environment,” the rating service said.

“The year started with hopes for housing momentum growth, but risks with respect to the Iran war, energy costs and declines for consumer confidence have slowed the market,” said Bill Owens, chairman of NAHB.

Multiple GSE officials told Inside The GSEs that no changes have been made to their selling guides regarding crypto assets, even with a splashy planned mortgage product from Better Home & Finance.

The new guidelines, which go into effect Aug. 6, require seller/servicers to have clear policies in place to mitigate the risks posed by this technology and to ensure it complies with existing laws and regulations.

loanDepot has already been originating both HELOCs and closed-end second liens.

Brian Vieaux, president of MISMO, said the dataset aims to make it easier for aspiring homeowners to succeed by creating a standard shared language that can be used between counselors, lenders and the broader mortgage ecosystem.

Fannie Mae hopes to extend the partnership to include fraud detection in its single-family mortgage business.

MetLife's new global head of real estate and agricultural finance comes from Blackstone.

The GSEs plan to announce a new adoption date for the Uniform Closing Dataset during the fourth quarter of 2026.