Core Insights - Mortgage rates are currently fluctuating within a narrow range, with the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.26%, which is significantly lower than the peak of 7.04% in January 2023 [1][14] - The 15-year fixed mortgage rate has increased to 5.54%, up five basis points from the previous week [1][14] - Predictions indicate that mortgage rates will remain at or above 6% for most of 2026, with a slight decrease expected towards the end of that year [13][16] Current Mortgage Rates - The current national average mortgage rates include: - 30-year fixed: 6.26% - 20-year fixed: 6.06% - 15-year fixed: 5.71% - 5/1 ARM: 6.43% - 7/1 ARM: 6.47% - 30-year VA: 5.64% - 15-year VA: 5.28% - 5/1 VA: 5.16% [5] Refinance Rates - Today's mortgage refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, with the following averages: - 30-year fixed: 6.10% - 20-year fixed: 5.86% - 15-year fixed: 5.57% - 5/1 ARM: 6.14% - 7/1 ARM: 6.03% - 30-year VA: 5.77% - 15-year VA: 5.26% - 5/1 VA: 5.21% [4] Market Trends - Mortgage rates have generally decreased since the end of May, currently being half a point lower than the same time last year [13] - The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) forecasts a 30-year mortgage rate of 6.4% by the end of 2023, remaining stable through 2026 [16][17]

A confidante of Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), has reportedly misused confidential mortgage pricing data from Fannie Mae (OTC:FNMA) to benefit a competitor.Ethics Furor Over Shared Pricing DataLauren Smith, the head of marketing at Fannie Mae, allegedly provided sensitive mortgage pricing data to a key competitor, as per The Associated Press. The action—undertaken on Pulte's behalf—has prompted concern among Fannie Mae's top leaders, who called it  "very problematic"  ...

Core Insights - The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage has increased to 6.24%, up from 6.22% last week, but remains lower than the 6.78% average from a year ago [1] - The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages has decreased to 5.49%, down from 5.5% last week, compared to 5.99% a year ago [2] Mortgage Rate Influences - Mortgage rates are affected by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies, bond market expectations, and the 10-year Treasury yield, which is currently at 4.10% [3] - The average 30-year mortgage rate has been above 6% since September 2022, contributing to a slump in the housing market [4] Market Activity - Home sales have been sluggish but saw an acceleration in September, attributed to easing mortgage rates [4] - Applications for home purchase loans increased nearly 6% last week, marking the strongest pace since September, despite rising mortgage rates [6] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve cut its main interest rate in September and again last month, but further cuts are not guaranteed [7] - Wall Street traders have reduced expectations for a rate cut at the next Fed meeting in December, now estimating a 53% chance, down from nearly 70% [8] Affordability Challenges - Despite a pullback in mortgage rates, affordability remains a significant issue for potential homeowners due to rising home prices [10]

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged higher for the second week in a row, though it remains near its low point so far this year. The average long-term mortgage rate ticked up to 6.24% from 6.22% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.78%. Just two weeks ago, the average rate was at 6.17%, its lowest level in more than a year. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, edged lower this w ...

Primary Mortgage Market Survey® U.S. weekly average mortgage rates as of 11/13/2025 MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.24%. “Rates for the 30-year and the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage essentially remained flat this week, but we did see purchase activity increase, which is encouraging,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. News ...

Michael Burry just closed his hedge fund. The investor famous for predicting the 2008 housing crisis, and who recently revealed that he was betting against big tech – specifically Nvidia (NVDA) and Palantir (PLTR) – deregistered Scion Asset Management this week, effective Nov. 10. More News from Barchart In a letter to investors, he wrote: “My estimation of value in securities is not now, and has not been for some time, in sync with the markets.” Perhaps the greatest twist of irony is that while Burry ...

Meanwhile, some movement on the housing front with demand for mortgages ticking up last week. Diana Ol has the numbers for us. Hi, Diana.>> Hey, Court. Yeah, even though we're heading smack into the slowest season for housing, home buyers seem to be making maybe one last gasp, likely because of more supply on the market and softening prices. Mortgage applications to buy a home rose 6% last week to their strongest pace since September, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.Now, volume was 31% higher ...

Group 1: Industry Insights - The mortgage industry is experiencing significant scrutiny, particularly regarding the actions of Fannie Mae and the FHFA, with investigations into the improper acquisition of mortgage records by Trump appointee Bill Pulte [1] - The non-QM market is thriving, with Verus Mortgage Capital forecasting a 30% year-over-year growth, driven by consistent borrower demand and rate volatility in a $150 billion market [7] - The mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) are becoming increasingly important for profitability, necessitating a deeper understanding of their valuation methods [9] Group 2: Market Trends - October marked a record month for units funded through OptiFunder, indicating a growing trend towards automation in warehouse management among independent mortgage banks (IMBs) [2] - Mortgage applications saw a 0.6% increase from the previous week, with the Refinance Index down 3% but still 147% higher than the same week last year [18] - The refinance share of mortgage activity is approximately 56% of total applications, with adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) making up about 8% [19] Group 3: Product Offerings - American Heritage Lending has launched the Invest Star Income Program, providing competitive investment financing options with rates starting in the 6's and flexible qualifying criteria [5][6] - The upcoming UAD 3.6 rollout is expected to modernize appraisal management companies (AMCs), enhancing their role as strategic partners for lenders [3] Group 4: Educational Opportunities - Various webinars and training sessions are being offered to address current challenges in the mortgage industry, including a focus on non-QM strategies and the valuation of MSR assets [10][15][16]

Core Insights - The Trump administration's proposal for a 50-year mortgage aims to enhance housing affordability but may lead to significantly higher interest payments over the loan's life [1][3][5] Mortgage Analysis - A UBS analysis indicates that extending the mortgage term from 30 to 50 years could lower monthly payments on a median-priced home by approximately $119, but would double the total interest paid over the loan's duration [2][3][5] - The average borrower could incur an additional $389,000 in interest over the life of a 50-year mortgage compared to a 30-year mortgage [5] Financial Implications - For a median-priced home valued at $420,000, a 12% down payment would result in a loan amount of $369,600, with a standard 30-year mortgage at a 6.33% interest rate leading to a monthly payment of $2,295 [6] - The proposed 50-year mortgage would have a higher interest rate of 6.83%, but would reduce the monthly payment to $2,176, increasing the average consumer's buying power by nearly $23,000 [7] Structural Challenges - The viability of the 50-year mortgage is complicated by the current conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which may affect the purchase and securitization of these longer-term loans [8] - Amending the Dodd-Frank Act to classify 50-year mortgages as qualifying loans may be challenging, potentially resulting in higher interest rates compared to 30-year loans [8] Housing Market Conditions - The housing market is experiencing significant inefficiencies, with affordability at its lowest since the mid-1980s and a structural shortage of 7 million homes in the U.S. [10] - UBS suggests that direct government investment in housing infrastructure, particularly through the use of manufactured wall panels, could be a viable solution to improve housing conditions [9][11] Political Reception - President Trump has downplayed the significance of the 50-year mortgage proposal, indicating it may not be a priority amid concerns from his voter base [12]

Core Points - The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has completed a probe report which has been handed over to the U.S. attorney's office [1] - The report is linked to an indictment involving New York Attorney General Letitia James [1] Group 1 - The FHFA's acting inspector general conducted an investigation that resulted in a report being submitted to the U.S. attorney's office [1] - The investigation's findings are significant enough to be associated with legal actions against a prominent state official [1]