Latest news
5th May, 26
Ginnie Guide, Borrower Marketing, e-Note Products; AI Webcast; Advocacy Week Approaching
Broker and Correspondent Products NFTYDoor, an end-to-end digital HELOC platform, is now operating as a fully independent company, enabling direct partnerships with wholesale brokers and private label correspondents. Brokers are already active on the new structure, submitting applications and closing loans today with no waiting period supported by NFTYDoor's combination of AI-powered origination and real people on every loan. Key enhancements include minimum FICO reduced from 640 to 600, maximum CLTV increased from 80 to 90 percent, maximum loan amount increased from $500,000 to $750,000,
Ginnie Guide, Borrower Marketing, e-Note Products; AI Webcast; Advocacy Week Approaching
Broker and Correspondent Products NFTYDoor, an end-to-end digital HELOC platform, is now operating as a fully independent company, enabling direct partnerships with wholesale brokers and private label correspondents. Brokers are already active on the new structure, submitting applications and closing loans today with no waiting period supported by NFTYDoor's combination of AI-powered origination and real people on every loan. Key enhancements include minimum FICO reduced from 640 to 600, maximum CLTV increased from 80 to 90 percent, maximum loan amount increased from $500,000 to $750,000,
5th May, 26
Modest Recovery Ahead of Econ Data
After hitting the highest yields in more than a month yesterday, bonds have managed to pick up a few bps. The bulk of the recovery was already in place by yesterday's close, but yields dropped another 2bps after war-related headlines just after 8am (US general said Iran's attacks yesterday were below the threshold for war). Oil prices and bond yields continue the same old correlation. Coming up at 10am ET, we'll get 2 economic reports that have historically been capable market movers: Job Openings and ISM Services. We've seen some evidence that the market is still willing to react to
Modest Recovery Ahead of Econ Data
After hitting the highest yields in more than a month yesterday, bonds have managed to pick up a few bps. The bulk of the recovery was already in place by yesterday's close, but yields dropped another 2bps after war-related headlines just after 8am (US general said Iran's attacks yesterday were below the threshold for war). Oil prices and bond yields continue the same old correlation. Coming up at 10am ET, we'll get 2 economic reports that have historically been capable market movers: Job Openings and ISM Services. We've seen some evidence that the market is still willing to react to
4th May, 26
Markets Hit by Glut of Escalation Headlines
Markets Hit by Glut of Escalation Headlines Monday's trading session ended up being as simple as it was unpleasant. Bonds lost ground somewhat sharply as war-related headlines kept adding up to additional escalation. Highlights include overnight reports of Iran hitting a U.S. warship with missiles, multiple reports of UAE air defenses being activated, and damage/fire at a UAE oil export terminal. While bonds had a few moments of independence, they were broadly driven by rising oil prices associated with the aforementioned headlines. Econ Data / Events ISM Manufacturing Employment (Apr) 46.4 vs
Markets Hit by Glut of Escalation Headlines
Markets Hit by Glut of Escalation Headlines Monday's trading session ended up being as simple as it was unpleasant. Bonds lost ground somewhat sharply as war-related headlines kept adding up to additional escalation. Highlights include overnight reports of Iran hitting a U.S. warship with missiles, multiple reports of UAE air defenses being activated, and damage/fire at a UAE oil export terminal. While bonds had a few moments of independence, they were broadly driven by rising oil prices associated with the aforementioned headlines. Econ Data / Events ISM Manufacturing Employment (Apr) 46.4 vs
4th May, 26
Highest Rates in More Than a Month
Top-tier 30-year fixed rates are back above 6.5% today for the first time in more than a month for the average lender. Many lenders raised rates during the course of the day as well. Those who didn't will likely have to raise rates tomorrow unless the underlying bond market makes a significant recovery overnight. Rates are driven by bonds and bonds are starting the week at higher yields in response to war-related developments. In general, escalation in the Iran war pushes bond yields higher by implying higher inflation via higher oil prices. Additionally, funding the war implies the need
Highest Rates in More Than a Month
Top-tier 30-year fixed rates are back above 6.5% today for the first time in more than a month for the average lender. Many lenders raised rates during the course of the day as well. Those who didn't will likely have to raise rates tomorrow unless the underlying bond market makes a significant recovery overnight. Rates are driven by bonds and bonds are starting the week at higher yields in response to war-related developments. In general, escalation in the Iran war pushes bond yields higher by implying higher inflation via higher oil prices. Additionally, funding the war implies the need
4th May, 26
Compliance, Surveys, eGuides and Webinars; Agency Updates; Spector Q&A
The industry is talking about their earnings: Fannie Mae had $3.7 billion of net income, Freddie Mac had net income of $3.6 billion. Regular and frequent information like this is critical to make informed decisions, whether you’re thinking about buying stock or buying a home. I recently received this note. “Rob, occasionally I am asked by my clients, and friends, if there is a ‘common way’ for the public to track real estate. Got anything up your sleeve?” Sure, and of course First American puts out some very usable information. There’s also Reventure. “Enter your city, zip, or
Compliance, Surveys, eGuides and Webinars; Agency Updates; Spector Q&A
The industry is talking about their earnings: Fannie Mae had $3.7 billion of net income, Freddie Mac had net income of $3.6 billion. Regular and frequent information like this is critical to make informed decisions, whether you’re thinking about buying stock or buying a home. I recently received this note. “Rob, occasionally I am asked by my clients, and friends, if there is a ‘common way’ for the public to track real estate. Got anything up your sleeve?” Sure, and of course First American puts out some very usable information. There’s also Reventure. “Enter your city, zip, or
4th May, 26
Weaker Start. Bonds Not Recovering With Oil So Far
The overnight and early domestic trading hours have brought a mix of familiar and unfamiliar patterns. Up until roughly 8:30am, we saw a very familiar correlation between oil prices and bond yields. Both spiked at 6am following reports that 2 Iranian missiles hit a U.S. warship. Those reports were subsequently denied and oil prices made a full recovery. The unfamiliar pattern involves bonds breaking ranks with oil to move noticeably higher at 9:20am. There are no obvious explanations in the news or on the data calendar. That basically leaves conjecture. Given the timing, one possibility is
Weaker Start. Bonds Not Recovering With Oil So Far
The overnight and early domestic trading hours have brought a mix of familiar and unfamiliar patterns. Up until roughly 8:30am, we saw a very familiar correlation between oil prices and bond yields. Both spiked at 6am following reports that 2 Iranian missiles hit a U.S. warship. Those reports were subsequently denied and oil prices made a full recovery. The unfamiliar pattern involves bonds breaking ranks with oil to move noticeably higher at 9:20am. There are no obvious explanations in the news or on the data calendar. That basically leaves conjecture. Given the timing, one possibility is
1st May, 26
Some Volatility Surrounding Headlines, But Not Much Change
Some Volatility Surrounding Headlines, But Not Much Change Bonds began the day roughly flat before losing ground modestly into the 9am hour as markets mis-read headlines regarding new peace proposals submitted by Iran. But just before 10am, similar headlines resurfaced including the claim that Iran's new proposal made concessions regarding Iran's nuclear aspirations. This accounted for a swift move into positive territory that was only partially reversed after Trump said he wasn't satisfied with the latest proposal despite acknowledging progress in the peace talks. The net effect is a
Some Volatility Surrounding Headlines, But Not Much Change
Some Volatility Surrounding Headlines, But Not Much Change Bonds began the day roughly flat before losing ground modestly into the 9am hour as markets mis-read headlines regarding new peace proposals submitted by Iran. But just before 10am, similar headlines resurfaced including the claim that Iran's new proposal made concessions regarding Iran's nuclear aspirations. This accounted for a swift move into positive territory that was only partially reversed after Trump said he wasn't satisfied with the latest proposal despite acknowledging progress in the peace talks. The net effect is a
1st May, 26
Mortgage Rates End Week on a Calm Note
Low volatility was the most obvious theme for mortgage rates last week. From April 14th through last Friday, the range for a top-tier 30yr fixed rate remained in an ultra-narrow range of 6.29-6.33%. That trend persisted on Monday of this week, but things changed abruptly after that. Tuesday and Wednesday saw moderately big increases that took the average all the way up to 6.50%. The past two days have been much calmer by comparison, even if rates remain elevated versus last week. Today's resilience is most easily attributed to a slew of headlines suggesting that peace negotiations
Mortgage Rates End Week on a Calm Note
Low volatility was the most obvious theme for mortgage rates last week. From April 14th through last Friday, the range for a top-tier 30yr fixed rate remained in an ultra-narrow range of 6.29-6.33%. That trend persisted on Monday of this week, but things changed abruptly after that. Tuesday and Wednesday saw moderately big increases that took the average all the way up to 6.50%. The past two days have been much calmer by comparison, even if rates remain elevated versus last week. Today's resilience is most easily attributed to a slew of headlines suggesting that peace negotiations
1st May, 26
Database Mining, Commercial, PPE, Lead Gen Tools; Non-Agency Updates; Capital Markets
The use of down payment assistance has risen sharply over the past year and a half, especially among FHA borrowers. Participation has jumped from 7.5 percent at the start of 2025 to over 21 percent recently, near the highest levels in years, as high home prices and borrowing costs push more buyers to seek help. Despite this increase, borrowers using DPA look very similar to those who don’t in terms of credit scores, debt levels, and loan sizes, indicating the program is being used broadly rather than just by riskier borrowers. Performance differences are modest but consistent: DPA borrowers
Database Mining, Commercial, PPE, Lead Gen Tools; Non-Agency Updates; Capital Markets
The use of down payment assistance has risen sharply over the past year and a half, especially among FHA borrowers. Participation has jumped from 7.5 percent at the start of 2025 to over 21 percent recently, near the highest levels in years, as high home prices and borrowing costs push more buyers to seek help. Despite this increase, borrowers using DPA look very similar to those who don’t in terms of credit scores, debt levels, and loan sizes, indicating the program is being used broadly rather than just by riskier borrowers. Performance differences are modest but consistent: DPA borrowers
1st May, 26
Rallying on Peace Hopes and Weaker Data
Bonds were almost perfectly flat during the overnight session along with oil and stock futures. Morning trading ushered in more volatility as the war-related headlines began to heat up. The most significant developments involve reports of a new peace proposal from Iran--one that potentially offers more concessions on nuclear aspirations. News is thin so far, but oil prices are moving lower and bond yields are following with 10s moving from 4.40 to under 4.35 in fairly short order. ISM Manufacturing came in weaker around the same time and contributed to the move. While it's a nice move in the
Rallying on Peace Hopes and Weaker Data
Bonds were almost perfectly flat during the overnight session along with oil and stock futures. Morning trading ushered in more volatility as the war-related headlines began to heat up. The most significant developments involve reports of a new peace proposal from Iran--one that potentially offers more concessions on nuclear aspirations. News is thin so far, but oil prices are moving lower and bond yields are following with 10s moving from 4.40 to under 4.35 in fairly short order. ISM Manufacturing came in weaker around the same time and contributed to the move. While it's a nice move in the