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Struggling homeowners often don’t understand escrow

Housing Wire

The December Annual Escrow Awareness survey questioned 1,000 homeowners on how their escrow accounts would affect their mortgage payments. After that, 70% had higher homeowners’ insurance and 57% had higher premiums. And those who don’t understand are paying dearly. Since 2023, 80% of respondents saw property tax increases.

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More homebuyers seek government-backed loans as an affordability lifeline

Housing Wire

As a result, more buyers are turning to products like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, which accounted for 24% of primary home purchases in 2024, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, which made up 10%, according to purchase loan lock data from Optimal Blue.

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Cause for concern? FHA, VA delinquencies are rising quickly

Housing Wire

Specifically, conventional loans are performing much better than Federal Housing Administration and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs loans. The seriously delinquent rate (loans that are at least 90 days overdue, plus those in foreclosure) for FHA loans is 4.12%, roughly three times higher than the 1.14% rate for conventional loans.

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FHA borrowers would get mortgage insurance relief through proposed House bill

Housing Wire

Sessions added that the bill takes a practical approach to deliver meaningful relief to homeowners. By addressing a key inequity in the FHA system, this bill rewards financial responsibility and empowers homeowners across the country. Mortgage insurance exists as protection from foreclosure on low equity loans.

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Optimal Blue: Mortgage refinances jump despite higher rates

Housing Wire

On one hand, refinance activity saw impressive YoY growth despite elevated rates, signaling a growing pool of homeowners with mortgage rates high enough to justify a refinance. Jumbo mortgage rates were up 2 bps, VA loan rates were up 4 bps and FHA loan rates remained unchanged.

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Mortgage delinquency, foreclosure activity point to rising homeowner distress

Housing Wire

Sky-high home prices and elevated mortgage rates are putting increasing strain on homeowners. homeowners are struggling to stay in their homes, and market conditions theoretically put the most heat on those who bought after mortgage rates rose. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans. higher relative to July 2023.

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2025 mortgage predictions: Your playbook for a winning year

Housing Wire

If 2024 was a rollercoaster, 2025 is shaping up to be a championship gameand every buyer , seller and homeowner has a shot at winning big. Heres your game plan: Check your credit: A score of 640 opens the door to FHA loans and down payment assistance programs. If youre in this group, 2025 could be your year.

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