“While rates are expected to increase steadily throughout 2022, many potential home buyers may try to jump into the market now before rates rise further. The fear of missing out, or ‘FOMO,’ on low rates and the potential loss of house-buying power may supercharge the housing market ahead of the spring home-buying season. --Mark Fleming, Chief Economist with First American Financial Corp., Santa Ana, Calif.

On Wednesday, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac released three documents providing additional information on implementation of expanded availability of desktop appraisals. Also last week, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed legislation that will permit mortgage loan originators to work from a remote location.