Origination

Positive payment behaviors in conjunction with CARES Act measures kept mortgage delinquencies from rising, but the number of borrowers facing hardship grew exponentially from last year, according to TransUnion.

Lenders initially won't be able to pass on the cost of the Federal Housing Finance Agency's "adverse market fee" to borrowers whose rates on GSE-backed mortgages and refinances are already locked in.

The higher charge on mortgages refinanced through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is supposed to cushion against a crisis but could contribute to one as the fees are passed on to struggling consumers.

Mortgage rates crept up this week, nearly reaching the 3% mark as lenders raised prices because of a new fee, although purchase activity remained solid, according to Freddie Mac.

The CFPB is giving stakeholders until Dec. 1 to file comments on a potential overhaul to its rules related to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which prohibits discrimination in credit and lending decisions.

With mortgage rates tumbling near 3% in the second quarter, refinance originations spiked 400% in some housing markets, pushing overall volume to its highest point since 2009, according to Attom Data Solutions.

Home sales in greater Hartford jumped in July — typically a slow summer month for purchases — as sellers who sat the sidelines at the start of the pandemic put out the "for sale" sign and eager buyers snapped up properties.

The coronavirus continued reshaping the Bay Area housing market last month, as demand for homes was weakest in San Francisco and strongest in the North Bay as buyers untethered to an office sought more space.

Recent changes to housing policy and uncertainty regarding the coronavirus could slow that growth.

Fannie Mae's new chief administrative officer position focuses on diversity, inclusion and affordable housing.