Mortgage rates

Houston-area home sales experienced another double-digit gain in February as buyers came out in droves to take advantage of low mortgage rates.

Paradoxically, mortgage rates actually increased this past week, even as the 10-year Treasury yield plumbed new depths, likely because lenders are too busy to handle the influx of applications.

With the return of volume and profitability to mortgage lending, it is no surprise that commercial banks are coming back to the market.

Buying a home became slightly more attractive compared to renting in the fourth quarter, as the likelihood of another huge value drop decreased, an index from two Florida universities found.

While clients are uneasy about the spread of coronavirus, Kelly King touted the added volume his company has seen from lower rates.

Mortgage credit availability dropped slightly in February, making three consecutive months of tightening, but that streak will likely end with falling interest rates, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

Mortgage companies that borrow heavily to keep their operations running may face financial pressure from coronavirus-related market volatility as it affects the valuations of collateral securing their financing.

Consumer sentiment for home buying stayed near its record high behind low mortgage rates and a strong job market, though the declining stock markets and COVID-19 concerns may change that soon, according to Fannie Mae.

From credit unions to banks, loan officers in South Florida are on the phones with homeowners, many of whom have one question: When can I refinance my mortgage?

Mortgage lenders could benefit from the surge in refinancing due to widening market spreads, and that could help offset damage to servicing rights portfolio valuations, according to Keefe, Bruyette & Woods.