National Mortgage Professional

04/06/2026

Did mortgage rates just hit their peak for the year? In this week’s Master the Markets, host and expert Bill Bodnar breaks down a strong bond market rebound following what could prove to be the high-water mark for rates just weeks ago. After peaking near 4.50%, the 10-year Treasury has pulled back toward the 4.35% range, offering a meaningful shift in momentum.
What makes this move even more notable? The rebound came despite solid economic data, including a firm jobs report — a sign that markets may already be pricing in broader risks and looking ahead.
But the story isn’t over. The biggest wildcard remains geopolitics and oil prices, with crude holding above $100 per barrel amid ongoing tensions involving Iran. That keeps inflation risks elevated and puts a ceiling on how far rates can fall in the near term.
This week brings critical data into focus, including Core PCE (the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge) and CPI, both of which could confirm whether inflation is cooling — or reaccelerating. Meanwhile, the 4.35% level on the 10-year becomes a key battleground for rate direction.

04/01/2026

UWM is trying to block its CEO from testifying.

A federal judge has ordered CEO Mat Ishbia to sit for a limited, four-hour deposition tied to the company’s ongoing “All-In” lawsuit — but UWM is pushing back with an emergency motion to stop it.

The lender argues other executives can provide the necessary testimony, while opposing attorneys say Ishbia was directly involved in shaping key elements of the policy at the center of the dispute.

With prior rulings largely favoring UWM, the outcome of this motion could shape how far leadership is pulled into ongoing broker litigation tied to “All-In.”

https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/uwm-seeks-block-court-ordered-ceo-deposition-all-case

04/01/2026

Trailblazers, visionaries, leaders. Meet the Mortgage Lending Women of Inspiration, a special feature spotlighting standout female professionals shaping the future of the mortgage industry.

Read the full feature: https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/women-inspiration-2026-voices-move-markets

03/31/2026

President Trump is urging Congress to curb institutional investors’ single-family home purchases, directing federal agencies to limit bulk acquisitions while leaving build-to-rent untouched, raising questions about affordability, supply and enforcement.

Read the full story: https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/homes-people-not-portfolios-03292026

03/30/2026

Mortgage IMBs like Fairway, Lower, and Rocket are accelerating strategic M&A, buying servicing portfolios, real estate portals, and end-to-end tech platforms, to boost recapture by vertically integrating ahead of the next refinance cycle.

Read the full story: https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/offense-mindset-ma-03292026

03/30/2026

Mortgage rates just took a turn higher — and the reason isn’t just economic data. In this week’s Master the Markets, host and expert Bill Bodnar breaks down how geopolitical risk and rising oil prices are pushing rates upward, with the 10-year Treasury now approaching 4.5% and mortgage rates hitting their highest levels since last August.
The key driver? Uncertainty around ongoing global conflict. As tensions persist, markets are pricing in a growing risk premium, including concerns about increased government debt issuance to fund prolonged conflict. At the same time, elevated oil prices are adding inflationary pressure, making it harder for rates to move lower.
Bill emphasizes a simple reality: the longer the conflict continues, the more pressure remains on long-term interest rates. A resolution could quickly ease inflation expectations and bond yields — but without it, volatility and higher rates may persist.
Looking ahead, this week’s jobs report will be a major catalyst, alongside continued commentary from Fed officials as markets approach the final months of Jerome Powell’s tenure as Fed Chair.

03/26/2026

Early move into Non-QM and in-house AI tools helped Truss build a high-volume brokerage focused on complex borrowers and repeat investor clients

Read the full article: https://buff.ly/EP9r9E7

Jeff Miller went all in on Non-QM before most loan officers understood its potential. A decade later, his firm closes 1,350 loans annually and develops software that other lenders adopt.

03/25/2026

Rogelio Goertzen shares a bold vision for the future of the Minority Homeownership Conference—taking it beyond the room and into millions of households nationwide. By amplifying these conversations, the goal is to empower communities and bring real housing solutions to a much larger audience.

Watch the full episode here: https://nmplink.com/HOME

03/24/2026

TOMORROW: 🔓Unlock how top originators are winning with real estate investors in today’s market.

This live town hall builds on insights from the Complete Guide to Non-QM: Real Estate Investors Edition and dives into how successful loan officers are serving investors through cash-flow-driven lending strategies.

Join executives from Constructive Capital for a practical, unscripted conversation on what’s actually working right now.

Whether you’re looking to break into investor lending or build a more consistent pipeline, this session will give you real-world strategies you can apply immediately.

What you’ll learn:
✔️ How real estate investors think about leverage, risk, and growth
✔️ Where to find and qualify investor opportunities in today’s market
✔️ How DSCR and cash-flow-driven lending strategies work in practice
✔️ How to position yourself as a long-term capital partner to investors

If you want to generate consistent investor business and build lasting client relationships, this is a must-attend.

Register now: https://buff.ly/VDPcdwA

03/23/2026

Powell’s surprise comments rattled bonds. Bill Bodnar explains why markets now face a “shadow Fed” and rising rate pressure.

03/19/2026

Fannie, Freddie ease insurance rules, allowing cheaper roof coverage, higher deductibles, and added flexibility for borrowers, condos, and lenders

Read the full article: https://buff.ly/RTzTzx9

At the behest of their conservator, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are taking steps to simplify their insurance requirements, including easing standards for homeowners insurance. The changes are being issued together to ease the transition and address the interests of borrowers, unit owners, and project...

03/18/2026

Real estate investors aren’t thinking like traditional borrowers and the originators winning today know exactly how to meet them where they are.

Join us for a live town hall built for loan officers who want to tap into consistent investor business using cash-flow-driven lending strategies.

We’re bringing together leadership from Constructive Capital for a practical, unscripted conversation on what’s actually working right now.

You’ll hear from:
• Ben Fertig, President, Constructive Capital
• Kyle Concannon, VP of Wholesale Sales, Constructive Capital
• Megan Castleton, Chief Credit Officer, Constructive Capital
• Scott Hess, VP of Sales & Process, Constructive Capital

In this session, we’ll break down how top originators understand the investor mindset, identify real opportunities, structure DSCR deals, and build long-term relationships that drive repeat business.

If you’re looking to grow your pipeline with real estate investors, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.

Register now: https://buff.ly/PTbUXDi