Underwriter Chronicles
The Credit Inquiry Came From the Lender Reviewing the Loan
One mortgage condition asks about a recent credit inquiry. The culprit? The mortgage lender itself.
Homeowner Learning Center
Independent, plain-English guidance on mortgage lending, underwriting, appraisals, and the home-financing process.
Underwriter Chronicles
Please Provide the Venmo Statement That Does Not Exist
When underwriting asks for a document the app doesn’t actually produce, the mortgage process gets very mortgage-y.
Underwriter Chronicles
The $15 Nintendo Transaction That Became a Mortgage Condition
A tiny gaming charge turns into a surprisingly memorable underwriting condition—and a reminder that mortgage files can get weird fast.
Market Update
Oil Prices Jump After U.S.-Iran Strikes: What It Could Mean for Mortgage Rates
Oil prices climbed after renewed U.S.-Iran strikes, adding a fresh inflation concern while mortgage rates remain near recent highs. Here…
Home Purchase
Zillow Says Saving 20% Down Can Take 8.5 Years. Do You Actually Need 20%?
Zillow estimates it can take a typical household 8.5 years to save 20% down. But many mortgage programs allow less.…
Market Update
The Housing Market Is Still Stuck. One Forecast Says 2026 Could Be the Slowest Sales Year Since 2011
Mortgage rates remain near 6.7%, home sales are slowing and builders pulled back sharply in July. One new forecast says…
Government Loans
Tired of Losing to Cash Buyers? The Housing Market May Finally Be Shifting
Cash buyers still account for nearly one-third of home sales, but their market share is slipping. New data shows cash…
First-Time Buyers
If I Can Afford My Rent, Why Can’t I Qualify for a Mortgage?
If you can consistently pay your rent, it can be frustrating to hear that you don't qualify for a similar…
Market Update
Why Aren’t Mortgage Rates Falling More? The 10-Year Treasury May Be the Problem
Mortgage rates finally declined slightly, but the relief has been limited. The 10-year Treasury remains near 4.7% despite softer inflation…
Market Update
July Inflation Cools to 3.4% as Mortgage Rate Pressure Eases
July inflation cooled to 3.4%, giving the mortgage market a little breathing room. That does not guarantee lower rates, but…