Community Banks are playing a pivotal role in shaping the mortgage industry’s future, leveraging digital innovations like online account opening and enhanced customer service to meet evolving needs. Despite challenges such as rising interest rates, cybersecurity risks and regulatory pressures, their adaptability and community-focused approach position them as essential drivers of growth and stability in today’s housing market.
Category: News and Trends
MBA Responds to FHA, Ginnie Mae Request Regarding HECM, HECM Mortgage-Backed Securities
MBA responded to FHA and Ginnie Mae’s request for input on how to modernize and strengthen the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage and HECM Mortgage-Backed Securities programs to better serve senior homeowners and support market liquidity.
Report Finds Fraud, Forgery Pose Real Risks With Refinances
A report commissioned by the American Land Title Association, Washington, D.C., and conducted by Milliman Inc., Brookfield, Wis., found fraud and forgery claims tied to refinance transactions pose a significant concern.
Trepp: CMBS Delinquency Rate Rises in October
Trepp, New York, reported its CMBS delinquency rate rose 23 basis points in October to 7.46%.
Cotality: Mortgage Fraud Risk Rises
Mortgage fraud risk increased 8.2% year-over-year, with an estimated 1 in 118 applications showing indications of fraud, according to Cotality, Irvine, Calif.
FHFA Increases Conforming Loan Limit Values for 2026
Last Tuesday, U.S. Federal Housing increased the conforming loan limit values for mortgages Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will acquire in 2026. In most of the United States, the 2026 CLL value for one-unit properties will be $832,750, up $26,250 from 2025.
Survey Finds Buyers Reporting Less Regret
Realtor.com, Santa Clara, Calif., released a new report finding that post-purchase regret among homebuyers has dropped in recent years.
MBA Releases Statement on FHFA’s 2026 Multifamily Loan Purchase Caps
MBA’s President and CEO Bob Broeksmit, CMB, released the following statement regarding the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) announcement of the 2026 multifamily lending purchase caps for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs):
ACES Finds Modest Rise in Critical Defect Rate
ACES Quality Management, Denver, found the overall critical defect rate increased from 1.31% in the first quarter of 2025 to 1.51% in the second.
ATTOM: U.S. Foreclosure Activity Sees Eight Straight Months of Increases
ATTOM, Irvine, Calif., reported that in October there were a total of 36,766 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings, up 3% from September and up 19% year-over-year.