Mortgages

Demand is brisk enough that zombie home counts have stayed low, according to Attom, which is nevertheless keeping an eye on rising distressed mortgage activity.

However, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is still 14 basis points lower than it was for the same week last year, the Freddie Mac survey reported.

Pending sales of previously owned US homes last month fell by the most since September 2022, illustrating a disappointing spring selling season as prospective buyers balk at high asking prices and borrowing costs. 

Analysts awaiting specifics on the "implicit guarantee" for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are split on whether mortgage rates and guarantee fees could rise.

While overall investor purchase activity is returning to pre-pandemic norms, interest in condo units dropped to a 10-year low, as insurance and fees surged.

While more consumers claim they can't tell whether now is a good time to purchase a home, over half of prospective buyers said the market is better than it was in 2024.

While mortgage originations increased, borrowers focused their attention on big-ticket items, as credit account balances flattened overall, Vantagescore said.

The yield on 10-year benchmark Treasuries was up about three basis points following Wednesday's sale, after earlier climbing more than five basis points. 

The Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization has created a new version of, as well as enhanced the current edition. of its reference model.

The law, set to go into effect later this year, was introduced to prevent potential money laundering in all-cash purchases made by companies or trusts.