The Federal Reserve is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged at its upcoming policy meeting, as central bank officials assess recent progress on inflation while remaining cautious about easing policy too quickly. With borrowing costs already at restrictive levels and economic signals sending mixed messages, policymakers appear inclined to maintain their wait-and-see approach rather than commit to immediate rate cuts.
Signs of stress in the non-qualified mortgage sector continued to surface toward the end of 2025, as an increase in loan impairments that emerged in November persisted into December. While overall non-QM performance remains far from crisis levels, industry analysts say the trend reflects a market that is adjusting to prolonged higher interest rates, tighter liquidity, and borrower payment sensitivity rather than one experiencing sudden deterioration.
As 2026 gets underway, the U.S. housing market is showing early signs of renewed momentum after several years of disruption marked by elevated interest rates, affordability strain, and constrained inventory. While the market has not returned to the rapid pace seen earlier in the decade, economists and industry professionals say the opening months of the year suggest a gradual shift toward greater stability and modest growth.
U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed his economic advisers and political representatives to prepare for a sweeping plan to purchase as much as $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities in 2026, signaling a renewed willingness to use federal market intervention to support the U.S. housing sector. The directive, confirmed by people familiar with the matter, represents one of the most aggressive housing finance proposals floated in recent years and underscores the growing political focus on affordability and mortgage rate pressures.
A proposed increase to mortgage fees tied to the Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program has been temporarily put on hold after industry groups raised concerns about its potential impact on veteran borrowers. Lawmakers on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee delayed a planned markup of legislation that would have raised VA loan fees, signaling a willingness to reassess the proposal amid warnings that higher costs could undermine affordability for those the program is designed to serve.
A new debate is emerging in Washington as lawmakers push back against a controversial move by Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte, who has instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to explore the use of cryptocurrency in mortgage underwriting. The initiative would permit borrowers to include crypto assets held on U.S.-regulated exchanges in their financial reserves—even without converting them to dollars—raising alarms among Senate Democrats.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
Home equity lending is growing rapidly in the U.S. as more homeowners unlock record levels of home value to fund renovations, consolidate debt, or access liquidity without refinancing their first mortgages. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, originations of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and closed-end second mortgages rose by 7.2% in 2024, with outstanding balances climbing by 10.3%.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
FHFA has released detailed responses to lender questions concerning its recent directive expanding the use of VantageScore alongside FICO for mortgage underwriting. These clarifications are meant to smooth integration, maintain data consistency, and address concerns about compliance and operational challenges.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
June’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report likely closed the door on the possibility of a Federal Reserve rate cut in July, as inflation remains more persistent than many had anticipated. The data suggest that monetary policy will stay tighter for longer, leaving borrowers, homebuyers, and markets adjusting their expectations for relief.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
U.S. home prices are showing signs of slowing down, with more than half of the top 100 housing markets now reporting price levels below their spring peaks. This shift suggests the housing market may be entering a more balanced phase as affordability concerns temper the pace of price growth.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has rescinded more than a dozen sub-regulatory mortgage policies in an aggressive effort to streamline operations, cut costs, and reduce regulatory burdens on lenders and borrowers. The move is part of a broader strategy aimed at making FHA-backed loans more accessible and affordable.
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Across the United States, homes are taking noticeably longer to sell, signaling a shift in the housing market that is affecting the behavior of buyers, sellers, and agents alike. The typical time on market has climbed to about 60 days, up significantly from roughly 38 days this time last year.
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In a striking and unconventional move, former President Donald Trump has intensified his public campaign for lower interest rates by delivering a handwritten note directly to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The note, written in bold Sharpie on oversized paper, marks a rare personal appeal and escalates a long-running feud over monetary policy.
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U.S. home price growth is expected to moderate over the next two years, according to a new expert panel survey conducted by Fannie Mae and Pulsenomics. Economists forecast average annual increases of 2.9% in 2025 and 2.8% in 2026—marking a downward revision from earlier expectations of 3.4% and 3.3%, respectively.
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The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its June policy meeting, maintaining the benchmark rate within the 4.25% to 4.50% range. While the move has been anticipated by markets, its implications for consumers, investors, and policymakers remain significant.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
Written By: Bonnie Wildt
I have said it before and I will say it again and that is, do not believe everything you hear or read for that matter. In this particular instance I am referring to AUS Findings. I have had countless conversations with processors and loan officer who want to know why I am asking for documentation that the AUS findings have clearly stated wasn’t needed or worse, they can’t believe I am turning a loan down that has an Approve/Eligible. So here it is again and pay particular attention to the details because just because you have an Approve/Eligible or Accept doesn’t necessarily mean you have a done deal.