The Trump administration has directed the CFPB to remind lenders that they should consider that deportation and loss of wages are risks when extending credit to certain noncitizens.
A lawsuit seeks to block a new CFPB rule loosening anti-discrimination regulations; FHA will continue to use the tri-merge credit pull process; bill passed by House would increase fees on VA home loans to pay for expanded benefits for veterans; delinquencies stay firm in April.
Early interest in the VantageScore 4.0 pilot has been strong, but participants note that the new score can be up to 100 points different from Classic FICO.
The refi share of originations hit 46.7% in the first quarter, thanks to low interest rates in January and February. Purchase-mortgage volume was up 3.7% compared to the first quarter of 2025. (Includes four data tables.)
Economists have dialed back their more optimistic expectations for mortgage rates this year after Iran war-triggered inflation undid the rate boost from MBS purchases by the GSEs.
Despite the decline, the delinquency rate at the end of March was above the level seen in March 2025. Some of the increase has been pinned on FHA loss-mitigation changes, though foreclosure activity is also rising. (Includes two data tables.)
The final rules clarify that the National Bank Act preempts state interest-on-escrow laws and codify national banks’ powers to maintain mortgage escrow accounts and to set their terms and conditions.