Colin Robertson

Actual footage of mortgage underwriting in 2006.

NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun is calling 6.0% mortgage rates in 2026. And a whopping 14% surge in existing-home sales. The year 2025 has been downgraded, but 2026 is apparently a turnaround year now.

The catch-22 of today's housing market. “Increasing inventory levels are helping to make homes more affordable, but prices are falling in an increasing number of markets and homes are taking longer to sell, which could make homeowners reluctant to list.” - ICE's Andy Walden

How did the mortgage refinance rejection rate fall from 42% to 15% in a matter of a few months? And why was it so bad in February, apparently the worst rejection-rate month since 2013?

Despite a ~$3B net worth, Jay-Z and Beyoncé took out a second mortgage on their Bel Air mansion, per DailyMail. They now have a $57.75M loan (10-year ARM set at 5%), along with a $52.8M first mortgage set at 3.15%. Rich people love mortgages while the less-rich love to prepay.

I think I found someone who understands mortgage rates even less than Pulte, if that's possible.

Just got back from Boise, Idaho. Saw this home builder ad at the airport when I landed. With home prices no longer super attractive (e.g. from the low 300s), especially in cities where it was traditionally cheap, you're seeing companies lead with monthly payment instead.

UWM has launched a new borrower-paid temporary buydown to increase refi business. Borrowers use their own home equity to get a lower payment for the first two years on their loan. But since the homeowner is the one paying the difference, it’s more about shuffling than saving.

I don't know who needs to hear this but firing Jerome Powell won't lower mortgage rates.

Chase originated $16.3B in home loans during the second quarter, up 32.5% from $12.3B a year earlier. It was their best quarter for mortgage lending since 2022. The bank also funded $27.5B during the first six months of 2025, up from $19.9B last year.

After the CPI report, we are now just 15 basis points (0.15%) away from 7% mortgage rates again, per MND. Just two weeks ago rates were at their lowest levels since last October. No relief.

Another big tie-up has been announced in the mortgage space, this time between the nation’s top mortgage lender and a credit card company. United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) has invested $100M in Bilt, which will soon let you pay your mortgage with a credit card. It will also…