“Surveyed lenders cited personnel expenses as the primary factors driving up loan origination costs over the past two years,” said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae’s SVP and Chief Economist.
Most Recent Articles
Is the U.S. On the Path Back to ‘Normal’ Housing Costs?
While home prices near record highs and mortgage rates remain elevated, new Redfin data suggests housing costs could return to “normal” by 2030 if home-price growth stabilizes and mortgage rates...
Five Star Announces 2025 Servicing Excellence Award Winners
The Servicing Excellence Awards were created to honor the outstanding achievements of mortgage servicers across the industry driving stewardship and compliance, delivering seamless portfolio...
Q2 Snapshot: Signs of Mortgage Delinquency Pressure Returning?
New data shows shifts in loan performance for homeowners and lenders. Here's a look at regional trends, and where delinquencies may be heading. The post Q2 Snapshot: Signs of Mortgage Delinquency...
Embracing AI in Real Estate: Progress, Promise & Pushback
From automated valuations to marketing bots, tech is staking its claim, but is everyone convinced that the hype matches the reality? A new report weighs in. The post Embracing AI in Real Estate:...
Bipartisan Push Seeks Stronger Coordination Among Housing Agencies
The HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act will require the Secretaries of HUD, the USDA, and the VA to establish a memorandum of understanding to share relevant housing-related research and...
Q2 2025 Home-Flipping Profits Eroded Amid Rising Costs
A new ATTOM report reveals that, after years of strong gains, market conditions are cutting into returns and challenging investor strategies. The post Q2 2025 Home-Flipping Profits Eroded Amid...
New Listings Drop to Record Low as Sellers Stop Short
Zillow data reveals that, as hopeful homebuyers' recent run of gaining purchasing power has been cut short, many sellers pulled back from the housing market in August, in response to lackluster...
Sen. Cortez Masto Requests Update on FHLBank Improvements
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto has written a letter to FHFA Director Bill Pulte, urging him to commit publicly to ensuring that the Federal Home Loan Bank System delivers on its promises to help...
Worlds Apart: A Tale of Two Numbers
According to the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity, traditional jobless reports may mask a harsher truth: could many more Americans than expected be stuck in survival mode? The post...
Which U.S. Households Benefit Most From the Increased SALT Deduction Cap?
A new study examines typical homeowner savings due to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap after passage of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The post Which U.S. Households...
Report: ‘Best Week to Buy’ Draws Near
According to the Realtor.com 2025 Best Time to Buy Report, one particular week will be the year's "sweet spot" for home shoppers, as buyers may see more active listings than at the start of the...
Paying Homage to a Lasting Legacy
At the upcoming Five Star Conference in Dallas, the Laurie A. Maggiano Legacy Award will recognize the individual who has left an indelible impact on the industry over the course of their careers,...
Home Purchase & Refi Demand Rises: More Leeway for Buyers and Owners
According to data from the MBA’s Mortgage Applications Survey, homebuyers and existing owners may finally catch a break: lower rates, eased standards and more lender willingness are creating...
Fed Slashes Rates for First Time in 2025
Amid pressure from the Trump administration and for the first time since December 2024, the Federal Reserve has lowered its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points at the conclusion of...
New Bill Empowers HUD to Strengthen Manufactured Housing Standards
The Streamlining Manufactured Housing Standards Act seeks to lower housing costs by streamlining HUD's regulation of quality, affordable homes in communities that need them most. The post New Bill...
Renters Move Toward Better Affordability as Prices Ease
August saw the first month-over-month rent price decline since March 2025 and the 25th consecutive month of year-over-year decreases, as "rental declines across the majority of markets in...
Appeals Court Blocks Trump From Firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook
The D.C. Circuit appeals court rejected President Trump’s attempts to remove Cook, citing lack of “for-cause” trigger and denying due process. The ruling will allow Cook to remain in place through...
Five Star to Honor Those Forging Impactful Partnerships
Meet the five finalists for Five Star’s Industry Partner Impact Award—tech providers, legal firms, and vendors—who have made a significant impact on the mortgage and housing sectors. The post Five...
New Fed Governor Stephen Miran Joins Board Ahead of Key Interest Rate Decision
After the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Miran as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on Monday, he took the oath of office Tuesday, just in time to vote on the direction...
Congressional Real Estate Caucus Unveils Housing Affordability Measure
The bipartisan bill seeks to solve the housing affordability crisis by establishing an interagency task force dedicated to lowering mortgage costs, reducing regulatory hurdles, and improving...