Core Insights - Mortgage rates have been trending lower, with the current 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.07%, leading to a 150% year-over-year increase in mortgage refinancing [1]. Current Mortgage Rates - The national average for the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.07% [18]. - Other current mortgage rates include: - 20-year fixed: 5.99% - 15-year fixed: 5.54% - 5/1 ARM: 6.21% - 7/1 ARM: 6.29% - 30-year VA: 5.60% - 15-year VA: 5.22% - 5/1 VA: 5.20% [5]. Mortgage Refinance Rates - Today's mortgage refinance rates are also provided as national averages, which are typically higher than purchase rates [3]. Comparison of Mortgage Types - The average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.07%, while the average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.54% [7]. - A 15-year mortgage has a lower interest rate but results in higher monthly payments compared to a 30-year mortgage [8]. Financial Implications - For a $300,000 mortgage at a 30-year term with a 6.07% rate, the monthly payment would be approximately $1,812, with total interest paid over the loan's life being $352,383 [9]. - Conversely, a 15-year mortgage at a 5.54% rate would have a monthly payment of $2,458, with total interest paid being $142,372 [9]. Adjustable vs. Fixed-Rate Mortgages - Fixed-rate mortgages lock in the interest rate for the entire loan term, while adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have a fixed rate for an initial period before adjusting [10][11]. - ARMs typically start with lower rates but can increase after the initial period [12]. Strategies for Lower Rates - To secure lower mortgage rates, borrowers should focus on improving credit scores, increasing down payments, and reducing debt-to-income ratios [13]. - Waiting for rates to drop may not be the best strategy; focusing on personal finances is recommended [14]. Choosing a Mortgage Lender - It is advisable to apply for mortgage preapproval with multiple lenders within a short timeframe for accurate comparisons [15]. - When comparing lenders, the annual percentage rate (APR) should be considered as it reflects the true annual cost of borrowing [16][17].

Core Insights - The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased by two basis points to 6.24%, which is more than half a point lower than the same time last year [1][14] - The 15-year fixed mortgage rate decreased by one basis point to 5.49%, representing a decline of 49 basis points compared to last year [1][14] - Mortgage rates have generally decreased since the end of May, with current rates being half a point lower than a year ago [13] Current Mortgage Rates - The current national average rates for various mortgage types include: - 30-year fixed: 6.25% - 20-year fixed: 6.04% - 15-year fixed: 5.73% - 5/1 ARM: 6.56% - 7/1 ARM: 6.84% - 30-year VA: 5.78% - 15-year VA: 5.57% - 5/1 VA: 5.39% [5] Refinance Rates - Current mortgage refinance rates are typically higher than purchase rates, although this is not always the case [3] - The latest refinance rates include: - 30-year fixed: 6.10% - 20-year fixed: 6.08% - 15-year fixed: 5.60% - 5/1 ARM: 6.39% - 7/1 ARM: 6.51% - 30-year VA: 5.55% - 15-year VA: 5.33% - 5/1 VA: 5.44% [4] Future Rate Predictions - The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) forecasts the 30-year mortgage rate to be 6.4% by the end of the year and to remain at that level through 2026 [16] - Fannie Mae also predicts a 30-year rate of 6.4% by the end of 2025 [16] - Industry forecasts suggest that mortgage rates will likely stay close to current levels, with some predictions indicating they may decrease slightly [17]

Core Viewpoint - President Donald Trump's proposal for a 50-year mortgage aims to make home ownership more affordable, but it raises questions about the long-term financial implications for buyers [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Implications of a 50-Year Mortgage - A 50-year mortgage could significantly lower monthly payments, making it easier for home buyers to enter the market, especially as home values remain high [4][5]. - For a home priced at $400,000 with a 20% down payment, the monthly payment on a 30-year mortgage would be $2,339, while a 50-year mortgage would reduce it to $2,112, saving approximately $227 per month [7]. - However, the total payments over the life of a 50-year mortgage would amount to $1,267,200, which is $425,160 more than a 30-year mortgage totaling $842,040 [6]. Group 2: Interest Costs - A 50-year mortgage results in total interest payments that could reach approximately 225% of the total home price, which is more than double the interest paid on a 30-year mortgage [8].

Core Viewpoint - President Trump's proposal for 50-year mortgages aims to make homebuying more affordable by lowering monthly payments, but critics argue it misdiagnoses the housing market's main issue, which is the shortage of homes for sale [2][5][11]. Summary by Sections Proposal Details - The 50-year mortgage could reduce monthly payments by approximately $100 on a median-priced home, but it may also slow down the rate at which homeowners build equity [5][7]. - The proposal suggests that extending the mortgage term could make the American dream of homeownership more accessible [2]. Financial Implications - A 50-year mortgage would likely come with higher interest rates compared to 30-year loans, potentially increasing overall costs for borrowers [6][12]. - For a median-priced home of $415,000, a buyer would pay about $2,098 monthly for a 30-year loan at a 6.50% rate, while a 50-year loan at an estimated 7.00% rate would lower the payment to about $1,998 [7][8]. Equity Building - The longer repayment period of a 50-year mortgage results in significantly slower equity accumulation. After 10 years, a borrower on a 30-year mortgage would have paid down about $50,000 in principal, compared to only $10,000 for a 50-year mortgage [9][10]. - After 20 years, the equity gap widens to approximately $115,000 less for the 50-year borrower [10]. Market Analysis - Economists emphasize that the primary issue affecting home affordability is the lack of available homes, with estimates indicating a shortfall of 3 to 4 million homes in the U.S. [11]. - Critics warn that the introduction of 50-year mortgages could exacerbate the housing supply problem by increasing demand without addressing the underlying supply issues, potentially driving home prices higher [13].

Core Insights - Portable mortgages allow homeowners to retain their existing loan terms and interest rates when purchasing a new property, which is currently not available in the U.S. but exists in Canada and the UK [1][2][3] Group 1: Portable Mortgages Overview - Portable mortgages enable borrowers to keep their low-rate mortgage when moving, avoiding the need for a new loan with potentially higher rates [1] - In Canada and the UK, borrowers typically have shorter fixed-rate loan terms of two to five years, facilitating the portability concept [2] - The U.S. housing market structure requires loans to be paid off upon property sale, primarily due to the reliance on mortgage-backed securities (MBS) [3] Group 2: Potential for U.S. Mortgage Portability - The Trump administration is exploring mortgage portability as a means to enhance housing market mobility, allowing homeowners to retain low rates and facilitating transactions [4][5] - Legislative efforts, such as those proposed in Maine, have been made to promote mortgage portability, but significant changes would require federal action and bipartisan support [5][6] Group 3: Current Mortgage Options - Homeowners looking to move can consider assumable mortgages, particularly those backed by FHA, VA, or USDA loans, allowing them to take over existing loans with lender approval [7] - Bridge loans are available as short-term financing options, enabling buyers to purchase a new home before selling their current one [9] - Rate buydowns may be offered by builders or lenders, providing temporary discounts on mortgage rates for new construction homes [9]

Core Insights - 28% of Americans are reducing their holiday decorating budgets this year, while 26% are cutting back on gift spending, indicating a trend of cautious consumer behavior amid economic uncertainty [1] Consumer Behavior - The decrease in spending on decorations and gifts is not attributed to a lack of holiday spirit but rather reflects the current economic climate [1] - The survey conducted by Rocket Mortgage and Redfin highlights a significant shift in consumer priorities as individuals opt for more conservative financial choices during the holiday season [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, funded loan volume increased by 17% year-over-year to approximately $1.2 billion, while revenue grew by 51% to approximately $44 million [18][19]. - The adjusted EBITDA loss for Q3 2025 was approximately $25 million, down from $27 million in the previous quarter and $39 million a year ago [37]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Funded loan volume growth by product included home equity volume increasing by 52%, refinance loan volume increasing by 41%, and purchase loan volume increasing by 5% year-on-year [18]. - The direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel saw revenue per fund increase to $8,300, while the labor cost per fund decreased to $2,500, resulting in a net contribution margin of $1,772 per fund, a 64% increase quarter-on-quarter [22]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned to fund $500 million in monthly volume, with expectations to double this to at least $1 billion in the next six months due to new partnerships [6][18]. - The home equity market is highlighted as a significant opportunity, with Americans sitting on $35 trillion of home equity, representing the largest untapped asset class in the country [18]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is evolving from a direct-to-consumer model to a platform that powers the entire home finance ecosystem, focusing on partnerships with local mortgage lenders and financial institutions [5][6]. - The strategy includes diversifying distribution channels and leveraging AI technology to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, aiming for adjusted EBITDA profitability by Q3 2026 [21][36]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in scaling rapidly and profitably, citing past growth during favorable rate cycles and the potential for significant market share in the upcoming cycle [17][40]. - The company anticipates that the partnerships will ramp up over the next six months, contributing to substantial loan volume growth [51][53]. Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 2025 with $226 million in cash and investments, maintaining strong relationships with financing counterparties [37][38]. - The partnerships announced are expected to transform the company's revenue model, with a focus on integrating AI-driven solutions into existing financial institutions [23][24]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you dive deeper into the three recent partnership announcements and how you expect each of these to ramp as we head into 2026? - Management expects the large financial services platform partnership to ramp over the next six months as user penetration increases, with potential for multiple billions in monthly volume [51][52]. Question: How would you characterize the future partnership pipeline right now? - The partnership pipeline has exploded due to the demand for Better's solutions, especially as incumbents face integration challenges [55][56]. Question: Can you provide details on the volume opportunity with the top five U.S. personal financial services platform? - The addressable market could be significant, with estimates suggesting potential originations of around $24 billion if penetration rates are achieved [60]. Question: What underpins the outlook for increasing loan volume to $1 billion? - The outlook is primarily driven by partnerships, with expectations for D2C growth and stable interest rates [61]. Question: Does the anticipated $1 billion loan volume assume full ramp-up of partnerships? - Management indicated that the $1 billion could be exceeded once partnerships are fully integrated [66]. Question: What is the expectation for customer acquisition costs (CAC) as partnerships grow? - CAC is expected to trend lower as partnerships become a larger part of loan volume, with no upfront CAC for partners [68].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, funded loan volume increased by 17% year-over-year to approximately $1.2 billion, while revenue grew by 51% to approximately $44 million [18][19]. - The Adjusted EBITDA loss decreased to approximately $25 million, down from $27 million in the previous quarter and $39 million a year ago [37]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Funded loan volume growth by product included home equity volume increasing by 52%, refinance loan volume increasing by 41%, and purchase loan volume increasing by 5% year-over-year [18]. - The direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel saw revenue per fund increase to $8,300, with a net contribution margin of $1,772 per fund, reflecting a 64% increase quarter-on-quarter [22]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned to fund $500 million in monthly volume, with expectations to double this to at least $1 billion in the next six months due to new partnerships [6][18]. - The marketplace for home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) is expected to be 100% of volume and revenue for the company, contrasting with incumbents who have a small portion of their volume from similar marketplaces [19][20]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is evolving from a direct-to-consumer model to a platform that powers the home finance ecosystem through partnerships with local mortgage lenders and financial institutions [5][6]. - The strategy includes diversifying distribution channels and leveraging AI technology to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, aiming for break-even Adjusted EBITDA by Q3 2026 [21][36]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in scaling rapidly and profitably, citing past growth during favorable rate cycles and the potential for significant market share in the upcoming cycle [17][40]. - The company anticipates that the partnerships will ramp up over the next six months, contributing to substantial growth in loan volume and revenue [51][53]. Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 2025 with $226 million in cash and investments, maintaining strong relationships with financing counterparties [37][38]. - The company is focused on enhancing its go-to-market strategy while managing expenses and diversifying channels to achieve profitability [35][36]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you dive deeper into the three recent partnership announcements and how you expect each of these to ramp as we head into 2026? - Management expects the large financial services platform partnership to ramp over the next six months, with potential for multiple billions in monthly volume as user penetration increases [51][52]. Question: How would you characterize the future partnership pipeline right now? - The partnership pipeline has exploded due to the successful implementation of earlier partners and frustrations with incumbent solutions, leading to increased demand for the company's offerings [55][56]. Question: Can you provide detail on the volume opportunity with the top five U.S. personal financial services platform? - The addressable market could be significant, with estimates suggesting potential originations of around $24 billion if penetration rates are achieved [60][61]. Question: What is underpinning the outlook for increased loan volume? - The outlook assumes stable interest rates, with growth driven by partnerships and improvements in the D2C channel, which has seen organic growth of over 50% year-on-year [62][63]. Question: What is the anticipation for customer acquisition cost (CAC) as partnerships grow? - CAC is expected to trend lower as partnerships become a larger part of loan volume, with no upfront CAC associated with partner channels [70].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, funded loan volume increased by 17% year-over-year to approximately $1.2 billion, while revenue grew by 51% to approximately $44 million, driven by increased loan funding through both direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels and the Tin Man AI platform [18][19] - The adjusted EBITDA loss for Q3 2025 was approximately $25 million, down from $27 million in the previous quarter and $39 million a year ago [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Funded loan volume growth by product showed home equity volume increasing by 52%, refinance loan volume increasing by 41%, and purchase loan volume increasing by 5% year-over-year [18] - The direct-to-consumer channel's revenue per fund increased to $8,300, while the labor cost per fund decreased to $2,500, resulting in a net contribution margin of $1,772 per fund, a 64% increase quarter-on-quarter [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned to fund $500 million in monthly volume, with expectations to double this to at least $1 billion in the next six months due to new partnerships [6][18] - The marketplace for home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) is expected to grow significantly, with the company capturing 100% of volume and revenue in this space, unlike incumbents who have only a small portion [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is evolving from a direct-to-consumer model to a platform that powers the entire home finance ecosystem, focusing on partnerships with institutional lenders and financial institutions [5][6] - The strategy includes diversifying distribution channels and leveraging AI-driven platforms to reduce costs and improve customer experience, aiming for adjusted EBITDA profitability by Q3 2026 [21][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in scaling rapidly and profitably, citing strong unit economics and a robust pipeline of partnerships that will drive growth [17][36] - The company anticipates significant market share gains as the housing cycle turns and partnerships ramp up, with expectations of over $600 million in AI platform originations in Q4 2025 [39][40] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 2025 with $226 million in cash and investments, maintaining strong relationships with financing counterparties [37][38] - The company is focused on enhancing its go-to-market strategy while managing expenses, with a goal of reaching break-even on an adjusted EBITDA basis by the end of Q3 2026 [35][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you dive deeper into the three recent partnership announcements and how you expect each to ramp as we head into 2026? - Management expects the large financial services platform partnership to ramp over the next six months as user penetration increases, with potential for multiple billions in monthly volume [51][52] Question: What does the future partnership pipeline look like today? - The partnership pipeline has exploded due to the successful implementation of earlier partners and frustrations with incumbent solutions, leading to increased demand for the company's offerings [53] Question: Can you provide details on the volume opportunity with the top five U.S. personal financial services platform? - The addressable market could be around $24 billion based on a low average mortgage penetration rate, with potential for multiples of that through algorithmic mining of offers [55] Question: What underpins the outlook for increasing loan volume to $1 billion? - The outlook is primarily driven by partnerships, with expectations for significant growth in D2C as well, assuming interest rates remain stable [57][58] Question: How can AI efficiencies increase revenue per funded loan? - AI efficiencies are expected to enhance revenue per loan by allowing the AI platform to handle customer interactions and approvals more effectively than traditional loan officers [61]

Company Overview and Strategy - Better Home & Finance Holding Company is positioning itself as a next-generation AI mortgage platform, aiming to simplify, speed up, and improve the mortgage experience[1, 12, 14] - The company's strategy involves expanding Tinman AI's reach beyond direct-to-consumer (D2C) into a platform and software model, addressing the mortgage industry's technology and human capital challenges[14] - The company aims to fully automate the manual aspects of the homeownership process and rapidly improve efficiency through advancements in Tinman AI[54, 55] Market Opportunity and Customer Experience - The homeownership market is enormous, with a cumulative market size of over $19 trillion[17] - The company's platform delivers a best-in-class experience, with a Net Promoter Score of 664 and a 4.1 out of 5 Trustpilot Score[19, 20] - Better Mortgage offers a broad suite of home financing solutions, including home purchase, refinance, and HELOC products[22, 29, 30, 31] Financial Performance and Partnerships - In Q3 2025, the company's total funded loan volume was $1.035 billion, with purchase volume at $774 million, HELOC volume at $183 million, and refinance volume at $44 million[48] - The company is targeting Adjusted EBITDA breakeven by the end of Q3 2026[58] - The company is actively developing new partnerships, including with a top five U S Personal Financial Services Platform and a top five U S Non-bank Mortgage Originator[50] AI and Technology - The company's proprietary AI mortgage platform, Tinman, powers its operations and drives better, faster, and cheaper customer experiences[36, 40] - Betsy, the company's AI voice-based loan assistant, has led to a ~3x increase in Loan Officer Productivity and a ~2x increase in lead-to-lock conversion to 6%, up from 3%[42] - The company expects $600 million of Tinman AI Platform volume in Q4[58]