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More homebuyers seek government-backed loans as an affordability lifeline

Housing Wire

The combined cost of mortgages, taxes and insurance now takes up a larger share of household income than it has since the early 1980s, according to an affordability index from John Burns Research & Consulting. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, which made up 10%, according to purchase loan lock data from Optimal Blue.

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Should I pay off student loans before buying my first home?

Housing Wire

Do I need to pay off my student loans before buying my first home? What it really comes down to is whether or not you feel comfortable paying a mortgage (and all the other fun expenses that come with having a home), while also paying off student loans. For example, a conventional loan lets you put as little as 3% down.

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The impact of student loans on buying a home

Housing Wire

Nearly 1 in 5 millennials (19%) think their credit card debt will be a stumbling block when applying for a mortgage, while 1 in 7 (14%) think the same about their student loans. How student loans impact your ability to buy a home Adding a mortgage on top of monthly student loan payments can create a significant financial strain.

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Mortgage industry provides commentary on CFPB’s proposed changes to QM loan definition

Housing Wire

In June, the bureau released two proposals regarding the QM Patch, which allows loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to exceed the 43% debt-to-income ratio the Bureau had established in its Ability to Repay/Qualified Mortgage rule. Under § 1026.43(c)(2)(vii), Section 1026.43(c) ” (Bolding added by MBA.).

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Unison unveils ‘hybrid’ home equity sharing loan

Housing Wire

The San Francisco -based Unison calls its new offering the Equity Sharing Home Loan. The company explained that the product operates as a ”hybrid between debt and equity.” But it also differs from a typical HEI by including qualification and repayment terms that are similar to a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC).

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HousingWire Annual: FHFA’s Sandra Thompson addresses loan buyback issue

Housing Wire

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Sandra Thompson said Wednesday that the agency is working to provide more clarity on its framework and use alternatives amid a spike in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ‘s loan buybacks. It takes about six months after a loan is delivered for the processes to take place. ”

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First-time homebuyers made up a record share of agency purchase loans in 2023

Housing Wire

A record 47% of government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) purchase loans in 2023 came from first-time homebuyers, a number that’s been trending gradually higher throughout the past decade. Looking back, last year’s market was dominated by purchase lending, with loans to buy homes making up 82% of a historically low number of originations.

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