Mortgage Research Network

12/02/2025

Major mortgage agency removes 620 minimum credit score for conventional loans. Do you qualify?

It's the end of the 620 minimum credit score for Fannie and Freddie. But that doesn't mean a free for all.

11/26/2025

Here's what experts are saying about 2026 mortgage rates. Will rates go down next year?

Major agencies expect rates to hover around 6.2% in 2026. On-the-ground industry experts say this sideways rate movement will help balance the market.

10/09/2025

Heard of HUD $100 Down Homes?
HUD offers foreclosed homes for just $100 down.
Learn how to find these homes and check your eligibility.

HUD homes $100 down program can make you a homeowner with very little money out of pocket. See if you qualify for this program.

10/07/2025

How much do you have to make to qualify for a $200k, $300k, or $400k home?

We did the math. Here's what you might be able to afford.

09/12/2025

Parents can buy a home for their college student for less than it costs for dorm life.

Mortgage Research Network analyzed home prices near 121 colleges and universities and found that at 23 schools, buying a house beats room and board, financially speaking.

08/26/2025

Buying a home involves more than saving for a down payment. Hidden costs like inspections, appraisals, and fees can add up to 5–7% of the purchase price. Read this article to learn what to expect and how to prepare.

Upfront costs of buying a house can add up to 5-7% of the home's price, not including the down payment. But there are ways to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

07/19/2022

The surge in home prices over the last two years has been an advantage for consumers who want to take advantage of their property’s equity and use the proceeds for renovations, education or to pay down debt. See how you can use your home's equity:

A surge in home values means mortgage lenders and banks can offer owners larger cash-out refinances, home equity loans and HELOCs. Here’s what you need to know.

06/30/2022

Mortgage rates in the U.S. reached the highest level since 2008, after gaining almost three-quarters of a percentage point since the beginning of June, according to a Freddie Mac report:

Higher interest rates and slowing home sales have tipped real estate into a “buyers market” after two years of sellers calling the shots.

06/15/2022

Almost a quarter of home sellers had to drop their property’s listing price in May, signaling a run-up in mortgage rates has softened demand for real estate, according to a Redfin report.

“Sellers are losing control of the housing market," Redfin's deputy chief economist said.

06/08/2022

U.S. companies added 390,000 jobs in May, beating the expectations of economists and giving the Federal Reserve support for continuing the monetary tightening it began in March.

The economy added 390,000 jobs in May, giving leeway to Federal Reserve policymakers to pursue an aggressive plan to tighten monetary policy.

05/11/2022

Consumer confidence in the housing market dropped to the lowest level since the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a Fannie Mae report on Monday.

Consumer confidence in the housing market dropped to the lowest level since the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a report on Monday.

05/10/2022

Home loan rates rose this week to the highest level in nearly 13 years after the Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark rate and laid out a plan to reduce the almost $6 trillion in Treasuries and mortgage bonds it purchased in the first two years of the pandemic.

The average U.S. rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to the highest level since August 2009, Freddie Mac said in a report.