All articles tagged with #mortgages
U.S. home sales in 2025 fell to a 30-year low as elevated prices and costly mortgages constrained buyers, highlighting persistent affordability challenges despite limited housing supply.
U.S. home prices are experiencing slow growth as mortgage rates remain above 6%, indicating a cautious housing market.
The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates from 4% to 3.75%, the sixth reduction since August last year, driven by a recent drop in inflation and signs of economic slowdown, which could lower borrowing costs for homeowners and landlords but reduce returns for savers.
Experts criticize President Trump's proposal for 50-year mortgages, arguing it may temporarily lower monthly payments but could slow home equity building and pose long-term financial challenges, especially for older first-time buyers. The White House states that any policy changes will be officially announced, but analysts see the idea as a potential band-aid rather than a solution to housing affordability.
The Trump administration is considering introducing 50-year mortgages as a potential solution to housing affordability issues, which could significantly lower monthly payments but extend the repayment period, marking a major change from the traditional 30-year term.
The Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.2%, the first reduction in nine months, which is expected to gradually lower mortgage rates and provide some relief for borrowers, while potentially reducing yields on savings accounts. However, auto loan rates and credit card interest rates are unlikely to decline immediately, with credit card rates remaining high. The rate cut aims to balance inflation control and employment support amid a cooling economy and persistent inflation.
The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates for the first time in months, which is likely to lead to lower mortgage rates, bond yields, and potentially boost cryptocurrencies as investors seek riskier assets amid the looser monetary policy.
Before her nomination to the Federal Reserve, Lisa Cook signed mortgage documents for her homes in Ann Arbor and Atlanta, pledging to live in each as her primary residence, which became a point of contention in her firing by President Trump.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider cryptocurrency holdings as valid assets when assessing mortgage applications, potentially allowing borrowers to use crypto assets for home financing without converting them to dollars, aiming to expand access to homeownership and recognize the growing role of cryptocurrencies in financial portfolios.
NPR is investigating 'zombie second mortgages,' which are old loans that homeowners believed were resolved but are now being pursued by debt collectors, sometimes in violation of state and federal laws. Homeowners affected by these practices are encouraged to share their experiences with NPR to help understand the issue's scope.
The US housing market faces a "lock-in effect" where homeowners with low-rate 30-year fixed mortgages are reluctant to sell, limiting market fluidity. Denmark's mortgage system, which allows homeowners to profit from trading in low-rate mortgages for higher ones, avoids this issue. Adopting a similar system in the US could alleviate market stagnation but would require significant regulatory changes.
The first ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president, Donald Trump, is set to begin with both sides carefully selecting jurors; Israel is contemplating its next move after Iran's recent barrage, raising concerns about the Gaza War; and a significant number of homeowners are holding onto low mortgage rates, which is hindering mobility in the housing market.
JPMorgan argues that the recent surge in inflation is actually being driven by higher interest rates, as costlier mortgages are leading to increased rental prices. The firm suggests that the Federal Reserve should consider easing up on its current monetary policy to address this issue.
Sean "Diddy" Combs reportedly owes nearly $100 million in mortgages on his luxury Los Angeles and Miami mansions, which were raided by federal agents as part of an investigation into allegations including sex trafficking. Combs took out a total of $140 million in bank loans to finance the properties, with roughly $97.5 million remaining outstanding. The embattled rapper has not been charged with any crimes, but authorities are actively investigating allegations of sex trafficking.
The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain its key interest rate, which currently stands at the highest level in over two decades, but households are eager for clues about potential rate cuts. While higher rates benefit savers, borrowers could see reduced bills on credit cards and other debts if rates fall. The central bank's decisions also impact home loans, credit card rates, and savings, with some banks already anticipating possible cuts by reducing rates paid to consumers.