“January’s HPSI results showed that consumer sentiment toward the housing market remains subdued by historical standards,” said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae’s SVP and Chief Economist.

Currently standing at 96.8%, the number of homes listed versus those for sale was the lowest reported since Q1 of 2019.

According to new data, even “luxury” upgrades were found to have a poor ROI with half coming in at 50% or lower.

“Mortgage rates inched down again, with the 30-year fixed-rate down nearly a full point from November, when it peaked at just over 7%,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.

While home equity levels remained relatively flat, equity rich properties now make up 48% of all mortgaged properties.

“Mortgage rates declined for the fourth straight week and have now fallen almost 40 basis points over the past month,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist.

The Federal Open Market Committee moved to raise the nominal interest rate by 25 points to a range of 4.50-4.75% at the end of its February meeting.

New-to-credit consumers on the rise, with credit cards being the most common option.

A new report found an upward trend in new homebuyer assistance programs amid difficult homebuying conditions.

Pandemic-era loss mitigation plans have been expanded and extended by the FHA going forward. Click through to find out what that means for borrowers and servicers alike.