Redfin, Seattle, predicts a “Great Housing Reset” will begin in 2026–a phenomenon it defines as a “years-long period of gradual increases in home sales and normalization of prices as affordability gradually improves.”
Category: News and Trends
Chart of the Week: Median First-Time Homebuyer Age
The Washington Post recently published an article examining alternative estimates of first-time homebuyers’ age. MBA members have asked about this data, so this week’s Chart of the Week explores the Post’s analysis and current FTHB data trends.
ICE First Look: Increased Refinance Activity Drives Mortgage Prepayments Up
Softening mortgage rates expanded the pool of refinance candidates in October and pushed prepayments to their highest level in three and a half years, according to ICE Mortgage Technology, Atlanta.
MISMO Publishes Credit Scoring Implementation Artifacts
MISMO, the real estate finance industry’s standards organization, announced a new Credit Score Implementation Guide and a Credit Score Model Name Document have reached “Final” status, which means they have been thoroughly reviewed by a wide range of organizations and industry participants and are available for industry use.
Leadership Spotlight: A Conversation With MBA’s Community Bank Network Co-Chairs
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.
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.