Mortgage

Expectations that the Federal Reserve would cut rates at its September meeting narrowed mortgage spreads and dramatically aided affordability issues in the housing market. Mortgage rates, which had been north of 7% for much of 2024, fell to the low-to-mid 6% range starting in early September on the expectation that the economy has sufficiently weakened and a new monetary policy would soon be in effect. The Fed on Sept. 18 lowered the benchmark rate by 50 basis points and is expected to lower rates two more times in 2024 as the 2% inflation target goal moves into focus. Refinances and overall mortgage applications have reached their highest level in more than two years, with more than half of applications being refis. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported in September that the average independent mortgage bank turned a $693 profit per loan in the second quarter of 2024 and about 78% of lenders were profitable. Quarterly volume picked up, as did productivity and the closings-to-applications pull through, which helped lower production costs by about $1,800 per loan. While existing-home sales continue to lag historical levels, inventory is now above 2019 levels in some key markets, particularly in areas of Texas and Florida. Home prices grew again in Q2, but the pace of price increases has fallen.

In turn, it’s perhaps more important than ever for industry professionals to stay in the loop on what’s happening within the mortgage industry. From industry insights to expert analysis and mortgage rate forecasts, HousingWire’s mortgage industry coverage can help keep you informed on the news you need the most, even in the most unusual of markets. Sign up here to get the latest in leading mortgage news delivered to your inbox each day.

Mortgage News

HousingWire Mortgage Rankings have arrived, bringing data-driven benchmark to originator performance 

Apr 30, 2026By bfrize

HousingWire on Tuesday announced the launch of the HousingWire Mortgage Rankings, a new performance intelligence product designed to provide a clear, data-driven view of mortgage origination activity across the U.S. The rankings benchmark mortgage originators based on observed production, offering a standardized view of performance across geographies, loan types and channels. Historically, the mortgage industry has lacked […]

• Mortgage rate declines are raising the likelihood of a refi surge 

  Mar 19, 2026By Neil Pierson

• Union Home Mortgage acquires assets of Sierra Pacific Mortgage: sources 

  Mar 18, 2026By Flávia Furlan Nunes

• North Carolina housing market offers 20% price advantage over national average 

  Mar 18, 2026By Rachel Bader and HW Data

• Fed cuts rates by 25 bps as inflation lingers, labor market weakens 

  Mar 18, 2026By Flávia Furlan Nunes

• Sample post – Bo 

  Oct 17, 2025By bfrize

• Making the 7-day refi reality: Why now Is the time to modernize the mortgage process 

  Oct 12, 2025By Kiran Vattem

• Here’s why non-QM earned its place at the mortgage dinner table 

  Oct 11, 2025By Marc Halpern

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Featured Events

 How Leading-Edge Housing Players Use Data  

Jan 11, 2024By Allison La Forgia

In today’s volatile market, it’s critical to be able to see around corners, to know what the right moves are, and when to make them. Great data can give you that capability. Is your organization leveraging data to the fullest extent possible? Join us for a lively discussion with Roofstock’s Gary Beasley, HouseCanary’s Brandon Lwowski, […]

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