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Loan officers are seeing an uptick in FHA, VA demand

Housing Wire

According to the MBA, rates for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans dipped to 6.42%, while refinance activity posted its fastest pace since October 2024. The move in government refinances was driven by a 75% increase in VA loans, which have been prone to large changes in recent months. More renovations?

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Renovation projects remain popular, but homeowners often need help paying for them

Housing Wire

In response, some consumers have turned to renovation projects to meet their needs. The market for renovation projects is a lucrative one for homebuilders and contractors. The Clever survey found that 85% of respondents spent at least $10,000 on renovations in 2023, including 48% who spent at least $50,000.

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CFPB rule applies mortgage protections to clean energy loans

Housing Wire

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on Tuesday announced a final rule governing the Property Assessed Clean Energy ( PACE ) loan program. The rule applies existing protections for residential mortgages to borrowers who seek PACE loans to upgrade or renovate their homes through clean energy technology.

Loans 396
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Renovation loans get pandemic boost as homeowners want home offices

Housing Wire

The Federal Housing Administration’s 203(k) rehabilitation mortgage insurance program is designed for borrowers to renovate when they purchase or refinance. For over 40 years with Section 203(k) of the National Housing Act, FHA has been protecting lenders with fully-insured mortgage loans even as renovations are underway.

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How non-QM loans boost mortgage originator for success in 2025

Housing Wire

In addition to all of these challenges, economic factors outside of housing are making it harder for potential buyers to acquire qualifying mortgage loans. Most lenders focus on offering traditional mortgage loans to clients, choosing to shy away from unconventional options in the market. Finance a loan, and you may lose money.

Loans 343
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Finance of America now offers renovation loans

Housing Wire

announced today the launch of Finance of America Home Improvement , a new business division offering non-mortgage financing options, including renovation loans. Per a study from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, renovation financing is expected to increase 3.3% in 2021 to $433 billion.

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Homebuyers say they are willing to accept longer mortgage terms

Housing Wire

But despite this trend, some buyers are willing to adjust their loan term expectations to achieve homeownership, according to a recent report by real estate technology company REsimpli. Consumers also said they were willing to tackle renovation costs if it meant achieving homeownership, according to the survey.

Mortgages 367