Mortgage rates dropped slightly this week amid new signals that the labor market is weakening and the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again next month. The average 30-year mortgage rate was 6.23% through Tuesday, according to Freddie Mac data, down from 6.26% a week earlier. The average 15-year mortgage rate was 5.51%, from 5.54%. The 10-year Treasury yield, which mortgage rates closely track, has been falling as odds of a benchmark rate cut in December are on the rise. In recent days, New York F ...

Home equity loans and lines of credit each allow homeowners to tap their home equity and turn it into cash, and both let you use those funds for whatever you wish. They have key differences, though, including their interest rates — both in how their rates work and how they’re determined. It’s crucial to understand these differences when choosing between the two mortgage types. How HELOC rates are determined Most HELOCs are variable-rate products, meaning their interest rates are impacted by an outside in ...

When the Trump administration floated the idea of a 50-year mortgage, credit solutions expert Micah Smith didn’t mince words. "I was mortified," she told Fox News Digital. On paper, stretching a home loan over half a century promises lower monthly payments. In reality, Smith warns, it could trap millions of Americans — especially retirees and first-time buyers — in what she calls a "risky" deal that’s "one market shift away from being completely and totally underwater." "My fear is that the 50-year mort ...

AI Outreach, Loan Loss, Credit, Reverse Tools; STRATMOR on LO Gratitude; Portable Mortgages? Today’s trivia: Missouri and Tennessee are tied for bordering the most states: eight. This week I head to Missouri, the jumping off point for thousands of wagon trains heading west in the mid-1800s. Back then, land grants were relatively common but home loans weren’t, LTVs were high, and repayment was usually within five years. Deals were done with a handshake. Fast forward to today, and we have Fannie Mae dropping ...

With home prices soaring and affordability at historic lows, President Donald Trump has floated a bold idea: 50-year mortgage loans. The proposal aims to lower monthly payments and help more Americans buy homes. Read Next: 2 Times It Doesn’t Make Sense To Pay Off Your Mortgage Early Trending Now: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires — and How You Can, Too While the concept sounds unconventional, some mortgage experts believe it could work — including Phil Crescenzo Jr., vice presiden ...

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Security National Financial Corporation (SNFC) (NASDAQ symbol "SNFCA") announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. For the three months ended September 30, 2025, SNFC’s after tax earnings decreased 34% from $11,831,000 in 2024 to $7,815,000 in 2025. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, after tax earnings decreased 30% to $18,866,000 from $26,578,000 in 2024. Scott M. Quist, President of the Company, said: “While the third q ...

Core Insights - Mortgage rates remained relatively stable this week, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.24%, slightly up from 6.22% the previous week, while 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 5.49%, down from 5.5% [1][2] - The ongoing government shutdown delayed the release of key economic data, including the nonfarm payrolls report, which typically influences bond yields and mortgage rates [1][4] - Mortgage applications for purchasing new homes increased by 6% last week, while refinancing applications decreased by 3% [2] Economic Context - The 10-year Treasury yield has stabilized, lacking immediate catalysts for significant movement in either direction [2] - The return of government workers is expected to lead to the release of delayed economic data, which may increase mortgage rate volatility in the coming weeks [4] - Partial release of October jobs data is anticipated, but it will not include the unemployment rate, prompting potential reassessment of labor market and inflation outlooks [5]

Core Insights - Mortgage rates are currently stable, with the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.16% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.61%, showing a lack of momentum for significant decreases [1][15][17] Current Mortgage Rates - The national average mortgage rates are as follows: - 30-year fixed: 6.16% - 20-year fixed: 6.04% - 15-year fixed: 5.61% - 5/1 ARM: 6.54% - 7/1 ARM: 6.51% - 30-year VA: 5.61% - 15-year VA: 5.35% - 5/1 VA: 5.57% [4] Refinance Rates - Today's mortgage refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, with the following averages: - 30-year fixed: 6.33% - 20-year fixed: 6.30% - 15-year fixed: 5.82% - 5/1 ARM: 6.63% - 7/1 ARM: 6.95% - 30-year VA: 5.97% - 15-year VA: 5.77% - 5/1 VA: 5.42% [5] Market Trends - Mortgage rates are expected to remain within a tight range in the coming months, with the Federal Reserve contemplating a potential cut to short-term interest rates, though this is unlikely to lead to significant decreases in mortgage rates [17] Historical Context - Mortgage rates have shown fluctuations but have generally trended lower since the government shutdown, with current rates being below those from a year ago according to Freddie Mac data [18]

Core Viewpoint - The White House is considering a 50-year mortgage to address the home affordability crisis, but this proposal has faced criticism for not addressing fundamental issues in the housing market, such as supply shortages and high interest rates [1][8]. Mortgage Structure and Financial Implications - A 50-year mortgage would lower monthly payments compared to a 30-year mortgage, with an example showing a payment of $2,022 for a 50-year mortgage versus $2,288 for a 30-year mortgage based on an average home price of $415,200 and a 10% down payment [4][5]. - However, borrowers would pay approximately $389,000 more in interest over the life of a 50-year mortgage compared to a 30-year mortgage, significantly slowing equity accumulation [6][7]. Housing Market Challenges - The introduction of a 50-year mortgage does not address the critical issue of housing supply, which remains a significant barrier to affordability [8]. - Rising costs of construction materials and labor shortages, exacerbated by tariffs and immigration policies, further complicate the housing supply situation [9]. Demographic Considerations - The average age of first-time homebuyers is around 40 years, making a 50-year mortgage challenging to underwrite, as it would extend the loan term beyond the average life expectancy of 79 years [12][13]. Legislative and Regulatory Context - Current regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act prevent Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from insuring mortgages longer than 30 years, meaning a 50-year mortgage would be classified as a "non-qualifying mortgage," complicating its marketability [17].

Market Overview - The market is showing bullish signs with the S&P 500 finishing in the green after a downward flush at the start of the day, indicating potential recovery [2] - Positive sentiment is driven by perceived progress on the government shutdown, which is expected to be resolved soon, leading to higher equity prices and yields [2][5] Economic Indicators - Consumer sentiment has dropped significantly, reaching low levels, which is impacting the economy [7] - The Senate passed a funding measure for SNAP benefits until September next year, which may alleviate some economic concerns [8][9] Government Shutdown - The government shutdown has lasted over 40 days, but recent progress has led to market optimism [5][10] - The House is expected to vote on the Senate's plan soon, with potential hurdles remaining [10][12] Sector Performance - Traditional sectors such as technology and communication services are showing positive movement, with airlines also experiencing gains [3][4] - The S&P 500 futures are currently above key resistance levels, which could indicate further bullish momentum if maintained [4] Nvidia and AI Demand - Nvidia's CEO has indicated strong and growing demand for AI, which is expected to continue driving the market positively [15][16] - Concerns about spending cycles among major players and overleveraging have been noted, but overall sentiment remains optimistic regarding AI hardware demand [16][17] Mortgage Developments - The Trump administration is considering introducing 50-year mortgages to improve affordability, reminiscent of historical mortgage policies [18][19] - The potential impact on interest rate payments and the structure of these mortgages remains uncertain, with questions about government backing and market appetite [20][21][22]