Mortgage Trends for 2026: A Gradual Thaw in a Cooling Market
2026 Mortgage Trends: Low-6% Rates & Refi Surge Ahead- Your Prep Guide.
The Transformative Impact of AI on the Mortgage Industry
In the mortgage world, AI isn't just hype… it's a complete game-changer. Discover how innovations like automated appraisals and 24/7 virtual assistants are driving 30-50% cost savings, while navigating risks like data privacy leaks and miscalculations. As Fannie Mae surveys show 71% of lenders exploring GenAI, Commonwealth Group shares proven strategies for navigating regulations and scaling AI for fairer, faster homeownership. The revolution is here—adapt or get left behind.
What’s Really Driving Single-Family Home Affordability Off a Cliff in the US
Learn What is Driving Single-Family Housing Affordability Off A Cliff in the US?
Navigating Reg Z: Essential Updates and Compliance Strategies in 2026
Reg Z 2026: Get Ready for 2026 with Reg Z Essentials
Is It Time to Reconsider Interest-Only Mortgages?
Interest-only mortgages are making a comeback in 2025 as rates stabilize near 6%. Lower initial payments offer cash-flow relief for high earners and investors, but payment shock and equity risks remain. Explore who should, and should not, consider IO loans today.
The Critical Role of Cybersecurity in Mortgage Lending: Protecting Your Business & Clients
In an era of digital transformation in the mortgage industry, cybersecurity is crucial for protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance. The post discusses threats like ransomware and phishing, vulnerabilities in the sector, consequences of breaches, regulatory requirements, and best practices for strengthening defenses.
Why Mortgage Quality Control Is More Critical Than Ever in 2026
With <6.3% mortgage rates and loan applications up 18% year-over-year, now is NOT the time to skimp on quality control (QC). Fannie Mae's 42% increase in repurchase demands, CFPB's $44M fines, and stricter investor requirements, make a robust QC essential for profit protection. Thriving lenders treat QC as a profit center to close more deals and avoid nightmares—stress-test your plan with actionable insights from The Commonwealth Group.
Value Acceptance Appraisals
Streamlining Homebuying: Fannie Mae's Value Acceptance and Value Acceptance with Property Inspection options – Faster Valuations Without the Hassle at The Commonwealth…
The Federal Reserve and Mortgage Rates: A Complex Relationship
The Federal Reserve, often referred to as the Fed, is the central banking system of the United States, tasked with managing monetary policy to promote economic…
What is Fair Lending?
Fair lending refers to the practice of providing equal access to credit and mortgage products without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin…
Beyond The Arc
As I write this post, we are in the middle of “March Madness,” the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Even though my team (University of Memphis Tigers) didn’t do very…
The Mortgage Industry is at a Turning Point - How are You Staying a Step Ahead?
Variable Cost Mortgage Banking. Contract Underwriting, Contract Processing, Quality Control, Condo Project Reviews via CondoAnalytics
HMDA - Getting it Wrong
January and February are a magical time in the mortgage industry. Beyond bad weather, license renewals, and typically low mortgage volume, lenders must contend with…
Fair Lending – Changes and New Challenges
Fair Lending has been the law of the land for many years. And many laws and regulations related to it have been passed: The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (1974-Reg B) The…
A New Way Forward
When I first started in the industry as a loan officer over 35 years ago, initial loan applications were taken by hand. Paystubs, W2s, and bank statements were…
QC Alert: Mortgage Buybacks Spike
GSE Seller-Servicers see a mortgage buyback spike of over 60% year-over-year in December 2022. Ask yourself: Does your Quality Control ("QC") department operate…
Acceptable Gift Funds
The usage of gift funds as assets is fairly common in the mortgage industry. It may be that loan officers are seeing this more often in 2022 as increasing home prices…
Conventional Loan Guidance on Assets for Income - Part 3
Our third a final dive into using assets as income is perhaps one of the most important. For both FNMA and FHLMC, using this type of income is prohibited on cash-out…
Conventional Loan Guidance on Assets for Income - Part 2
Using assets for income can be extremely useful when qualifying a borrower. However, if the calculations used are incorrect, the amount of qualifying income could vary…
Insurance For Condominium Projects
Condo Insurance: What you need to know