GuideMortgage & FinanceOct 12, 20264 min read
HomeReady Boarder Income: What Counts
HomeReady boarder income requires proof of shared residence and rent received. See how payment history, twelve-month averaging and the 30% cap work.
Mortgage & Finance
Mortgage rates, loan programs, lending businesses, and the financing behind housing.
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Mortgage RatesRate movements, spreads, and the factors shaping mortgage pricing.Loan ProgramsMortgage products, eligibility, underwriting, and financing options.Lenders & OriginationLenders, origination, distribution channels, and mortgage business strategy.ServicingLoan servicing, payment administration, retention, and borrower assistance.
Latest coverage
GuideMortgage & FinanceOct 9, 20264 min read
Mortgage Escrow Surplus Refund: Timing
Learn when a mortgage escrow surplus refund is required, how the $50 threshold and payment status work, and why loan payoff uses a different deadline.
ChecklistHomebuildingOct 9, 20264 min read
New Home Landscaping Escrow: Closing Checks
A new home landscaping escrow can help address unfinished work. Check lender approval, funding, completion deadlines and release terms before closing.
Data ReportMortgage & FinanceOct 8, 20264 min read
October 8, 2026 Mortgage Costs: Five-Year View
October 8, 2026 mortgage costs: compare five-year interest and principal at 7.40% and 7.28%, then see what a Loan Estimate adds.
AnalysisMortgage & FinanceOct 8, 20264 min read
UWM Credit Score Overlay Removal: The Limits
UWM credit score overlay removal covers specified agency loans. Agency rules and loan conditions still apply, while scores remain relevant to pricing.
AnalysisHousing TechnologyOct 7, 20264 min read
PollyOS Loan Margin Tracking: What to Verify
Evaluate PollyOS loan margin tracking by reconciling lock economics with sale proceeds, tracing overrides and checking rollout and performance claims.
Calculated ExplainerHousing MarketsOct 5, 20265 min read
Condo Special Assessment Budget: Closing Cash and Monthly Costs
Build a condo special assessment budget that separates closing cash, monthly installments and regular dues, with checks for lender project approval.
Deep GuideMortgage & FinanceOct 4, 20264 min read
FHA Non-Occupying Co-Borrower Rules
FHA non-occupying co-borrower rules can limit financing to 75%. Learn when family members qualify for more and how property units affect the limit.
Calculated ExplainerInvesting & RentalsOct 2, 20264 min read
Rental Blanket Loan Partial Release: Sale Math
A rental blanket loan partial release can require more than a home's allocated debt. See how release conditions and sale costs affect closing cash.
AnalysisHousing TechnologyOct 2, 20264 min read
UAD 3.6 Policy Exception: Who Must Apply?
The UAD 3.6 policy exception requires approval from each applicable GSE. Track the mandate, 2027 submission deadlines and vendor readiness.
Data ReportMortgage & FinanceOct 1, 20264 min read
October 1, 2026 Mortgage Rates: DTI Headroom
October 1, 2026 mortgage rates: See how the higher 30-year benchmark changes payments and debt-to-income headroom in a preapproval sensitivity test.
GuideHousing TechnologySep 30, 20264 min read
eNote Correction: When a New Note Is Needed
Fannie Mae’s eNote correction rules determine when a new note is needed, who must sign and how acquisition changes the required process.
Data ReportMortgage & FinanceSep 29, 20263 min read
August 2026 Serious Mortgage Delinquencies
August 2026 serious mortgage delinquencies rose as early-stage counts stayed below year-ago levels. Read ICE’s calendar caveat and servicing signals.
Calculated ExplainerInvesting & RentalsSep 29, 20264 min read
Multifamily Rate Cap Strike: Add the Spread
A multifamily rate cap strike generally excludes the loan spread. See how SOFR payouts, notional amounts, payment dates and expiration affect net interest.
AnalysisMortgage & FinanceSep 28, 20264 min read
Eleven Mortgage Exit: Loans in Progress
The Eleven Mortgage exit affects brokers with loans in progress. See what Benchmark confirmed and what funding, rate-lock and transfer terms need checking.
Deep GuideMortgage & FinanceSep 27, 20265 min read
VA Residual Income Family Size: Who Counts?
VA residual income family size includes more than borrowers. Learn when a spouse or dependent may be omitted and which documents support the count.
GuideHousing TechnologySep 26, 20265 min read
Mortgage Asset Report Expiration: Which Date?
Mortgage asset report expiration depends on data dates and DU validation conditions. A delayed closing may require fresh employment evidence.
AnalysisPolicy & RegulationSep 25, 20264 min read
FASB MSR Recapture Proposal: Scope and Timing
The FASB MSR recapture proposal addresses valuation scope, transition rules and comparability. Comments are due November 9, 2026.
AnalysisMortgage & FinanceSep 25, 20264 min read
UWM Underwriting Plus: Processing Handoffs
UWM Underwriting Plus processing changes broker handoffs. Assess borrower communication, the 8.3-day pilot measure and costs after the offer.
Data ReportMortgage & FinanceSep 24, 20263 min read
September 2026 Mortgage Survey Gap Explained
Compare the September 2026 mortgage survey gap: Freddie Mac and MBA use different windows and loan samples, and report points differently.
GuideAgents & BrokeragesSep 23, 20264 min read
Commission Rebate: Closing Disclosure Checks
Check where a commission rebate belongs on the Closing Disclosure, what your lender must review, and why a separate payment needs scrutiny.
GuideMortgage & FinanceSep 22, 20265 min read
PMI Cancellation: Find the Original Value
For PMI cancellation, find your home’s original value, check extra principal payments, and separate a written request from scheduled automatic termination.
ChecklistHousing TechnologySep 19, 20265 min read
eClosing Paper Copies: Consent and Access
Before consenting to an eClosing, check paper copies, fees, withdrawal rules and portal access so you can save and retrieve your mortgage documents.
ChecklistInvesting & RentalsSep 19, 20263 min read
Rental LLC Mortgage Transfer Checklist
Before a rental LLC mortgage transfer, check investor rules, personal liability, occupancy terms and the requirements for a later refinance.
AnalysisMortgage & FinanceSep 18, 20263 min read
Gateway Colonial Savings Acquisition: Timing
The Gateway Colonial Savings acquisition is pending. Its Q1 2027 target is separate from Colonial's earlier origination exit and servicing sale.
Data ReportMortgage & FinanceSep 17, 20264 min read
September 17, 2026 Mortgage Rates: Lock Risk
September 17, 2026 mortgage rates rose in Freddie Mac’s survey. See the observation window, payment sensitivity for unlocked loans and rate-lock limits.
TemplateMortgage & FinanceSep 16, 20266 min read
Mortgage Notice of Error: Use the Right Address
Find the right mortgage notice of error address, adapt a sample letter, document delivery, and track response deadlines while payments continue.
AnalysisAgents & BrokeragesSep 14, 20264 min read
HomeSmart–loanDepot: Lender Choice
HomeSmart and loanDepot’s nonexclusive partnership clarifies lender choice while leaving service commitments and compensation terms undisclosed.
AnalysisHousing TechnologySep 14, 20263 min read
Vesta Mezzo Verification Routing: What to Test
Vesta Mezzo verification routing adds a shared provider gateway. Test lender rules, fallback orders and cost evidence before rollout.
Calculated ExplainerMortgage & FinanceSep 13, 20265 min read
USDA Household vs. Repayment Income
USDA household income can count toward eligibility without supporting repayment. Compare Guaranteed Loan calculations, documents and deductions.
AnalysisHousing TechnologySep 11, 20264 min read
Ocrolus AIM Check: What Early Assessment Means for Income Relief
Ocrolus AIM Check provides an early income assessment. Relief eligibility depends on the later LPA submission, feedback and applicable requirements.
AnalysisMortgage & FinanceSep 11, 20264 min read
VantageScore Rules for Joint Borrowers: One Model per Loan
VantageScore model rules require joint borrowers to use one model per loan. See the September 9 changes and limits as of September 11, 2026.
Data ReportMortgage & FinanceSep 10, 20264 min read
September 10, 2026 Mortgage–Treasury Spread: Align the Dates
The September 10, 2026 mortgage–Treasury spread was nearly flat using aligned windows. See why release-day yields suggest narrowing.
Calculated ExplainerInvesting & RentalsSep 9, 20265 min read
DSCR Prepayment Penalty: Sale and Refinance
See how a DSCR prepayment penalty affects a sale, refinance or partial payment, with hypothetical step-down costs and a rate-versus-exit comparison.
GuideMortgage & FinanceSep 9, 20265 min read
Mortgage Escrow Waiver After Closing: Check Eligibility
A mortgage escrow waiver after closing changes how you pay taxes and insurance. Check Fannie Mae eligibility, PMI differences, documents and cash needs.
AnalysisPolicy & RegulationSep 8, 20264 min read
MBA New Jersey Disparate Impact Lawsuit: Who Must Prove What?
The MBA lawsuit over New Jersey disparate impact rules contests the burden of proof. See what lenders should document and what court relief would change.
Calculated ExplainerMortgage & FinanceSep 6, 20265 min read
FHA Three- and Four-Unit Self-Sufficiency Test
FHA three- and four-unit self-sufficiency rules: count the owner's unit, apply the right rent deduction and separate loan approval from rental cash flow.
ChecklistMortgage & FinanceSep 5, 20265 min read
Mortgage Payoff Quote: Check the Good-Through Date
Check your mortgage payoff quote and good-through date, reconcile recent payments and fees, and keep a later escrow refund out of closing-day proceeds.
ComparisonInvesting & RentalsSep 5, 20265 min read
Multifamily Debt Yield vs DSCR: What Each Tests
Compare multifamily debt yield vs DSCR using one property, and see how rates, amortization and income definitions change the financing analysis.
GuideHousing TechnologySep 4, 20264 min read
Mortgage Bank Link: How to Revoke Access
Revoke access to a mortgage bank link, confirm remaining verification needs, and separate disconnection from data deletion or application withdrawal.
Data ReportMortgage & FinanceSep 3, 20263 min read
September 3, 2026 Mortgage Buying Power at a Fixed Budget
September 3, 2026 mortgage buying power: see how a $2,500 payment translates into loan principal, and why a home-price budget needs more inputs.
AnalysisMortgage & FinanceSep 2, 20263 min read
Figure–Kiavi Acquisition: What Changes in Lending Access?
The Figure–Kiavi acquisition has closed. See what changed hands, what lending access is planned, and what brokers should confirm for existing files.
AnalysisHousing TechnologySep 1, 20264 min read
Candor DI Document Reconciliation: Preserve the Evidence
Candor DI document reconciliation promises cleaner loan files. Lenders should verify audit trails, governance duties and time-saving claims.
Data ReportHousing TechnologyAug 30, 20264 min read
Q2 2026 Mortgage Fraud Risk: Read the Mix
The Q2 2026 mortgage fraud risk mix shifted toward purchases. What Cotality’s index measures and what lenders should check before tightening controls.
GuideMortgage & FinanceAug 30, 20265 min read
VA Funding Fee Refund: Which Effective Date Matters?
Check which effective date supports a VA funding fee refund, what documents to gather, and where the money goes when you financed the fee.
Calculated ExplainerHousing MarketsAug 29, 20264 min read
September Closing: Budget for Rent Overlap
Budget for rent overlap with a September closing: map prepaid interest, closing funds, moving costs, lease deadlines and your first mortgage payment.
GuideMortgage & FinanceAug 28, 20264 min read
Partial Mortgage Payments in a Suspense Account
A partial mortgage payment may stay in a suspense account. Learn when funds must be applied and which statement entries can reveal an error.
Data ReportMortgage & FinanceAug 27, 20264 min read
August 27, 2026: Mortgage Refinance Math
August 27, 2026 mortgage refinance math: separate rate savings from a longer loan term, then compare fees and remaining balances over five years.
AnalysisAgents & BrokeragesAug 27, 20264 min read
HomeServices–Prosperity Servicing: What OnePoint Adds
HomeServices adds Prosperity mortgage servicing to OnePoint. What the announcement establishes about loan coverage, agent access and client continuity.
AnalysisPolicy & RegulationAug 26, 20265 min read
SPCP Guidance Rescission: What Changed in August 2026
The August 2026 SPCP guidance rescission withdrew a 2022 statement. Lenders also need to check July rule changes and current program terms.
Guides & explainers
GuideMortgage & FinanceOct 12, 20264 min read
HomeReady Boarder Income: What Counts
HomeReady boarder income requires proof of shared residence and rent received. See how payment history, twelve-month averaging and the 30% cap work.
GuideMortgage & FinanceOct 9, 20264 min read
Mortgage Escrow Surplus Refund: Timing
Learn when a mortgage escrow surplus refund is required, how the $50 threshold and payment status work, and why loan payoff uses a different deadline.
ChecklistHomebuildingOct 9, 20264 min read
New Home Landscaping Escrow: Closing Checks
A new home landscaping escrow can help address unfinished work. Check lender approval, funding, completion deadlines and release terms before closing.