The Lede

CNBC, May 26, 2016--Olick, Diana The nation's largest lender, Wells Fargo, says it is opening the credit box with a new low down payment loan--a loan it claims is low-risk to the bank.

Associated Press, May 26, 2016 Long-term U.S. mortgage rates rose this week but remained at low levels that could entice purchasers amid the current home buying season.

U.S. News & World Report, May 26, 2016--Mead, Sara The author asserts that the mortgage interest deduction benefits a small portion of homeowners while reducing tax monies needed to support public education programs.

Wall Street Journal, May 26, 2016--Morath, Eric Orders for long-lasting goods improved in April due to a surge in the volatile civilian-aircraft category, but underlying data shows businesses remain hesitant to invest.

Wall Street Journal, May 26, 2016--Mitchell, Josh The number of Americans applying for unemployment checks fell last week, suggesting employers continue to expand modestly and the labor market in the world's largest economy remains strong.

National Mortgage Professional, May 26, 2016--Hall, Phil Pending home sales are at their highest point in a decade, according to new data from the National Association of Realtors.

National Mortgage News, May 26, 2016--Collins, Brian The Federal Housing Administration's loan sales are drawing more attention after a recent critical report said it was resulting in vulnerable borrowers losing their homes.

HousingWire, May 26, 2016--Ramirez, Kelsey A recent study by TransUnion shows consumers with prime or better credit status, about 85 to 90% of homebuyers, are 2 to 3 times more likely to open a new auto loan or credit card account within 12 months of obtaining a new mortgage.

Bloomberg, May 26, 2016--Steverman, Ben If you raise rates on the rich, will you lose them to other states? A study of 45 million IRS records suggests it doesn't work that way.

National Mortgage News, May 26, 2016--Collins, Brian The inspector general for HUD is not backing down on his concerns about premium pricing associated with Federal Housing Administration down payment assistance programs.

CNBC, May 26, 2016--Fox, Michelle Borrowers who only put 3 percent down on a new home could be taking a risk, former Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chair Sheila Bair said Thursday. Earlier in the day, Wells Fargo announced it is now offering fixed-rate conventional mortgages with a minimum 3 percent down payment.

The Mortgage Reports, May 26, 2016 The popular USDA home loan program is about to get a lot more affordable. In a surprise move, USDA announced lower upfront and monthly fees for its home loan program, starting October 1.

Reuters, May 26, 2016 The Federal Reserve bought $8.172 billion of agency mortgage-backed securities in the week from May 19 to May 25, compared with $7.546 billion purchased the previous week, the New York Federal Reserve Bank said on Thursday.

Wall Street Journal, May 26, 2016--Demos, Telis; Rudegeair, Peter LendingClub Corp. is in talks with Citigroup Inc. about the New York bank buying or providing financing for future loans made by the online platform.

National Mortgage News, May 26, 2016--McKendry, Ian The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reached an $85,000 settlement Wednesday with a former Wells Fargo mortgage loan officer. But David Eghbali denied any wrong doing and said he signed the consent order only because of the high cost of litigating the case.

HousingWire, May 26, 2016--Lane, Ben Prospective homebuyers, especially first-time homebuyers who are struggling to save up for a down payment, have a new, and significant, outlet that they can now turn to when seeking a low down payment mortgage--JPMorgan Chase.

The Mortgage Bankers Association recognizes its Select Members.