Mortgages

• Homebuyers are backing out of deals at the fastest pace in nearly a decade - More than 16% of signed contracts on homes in December were canceled, as consumers face continued uncertainty in the economy and rising inventory.
• 4 Takeaways from Supreme Court Hearing on Trump’s Firing of Fed Official - The justices were alert to the central bank’s crucial role and wary of issuing a broad ruling based on rushed briefing and incomplete information.
• Fed Governor Lisa Cook seems safe from Trump firing after Supreme Court arguments - Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell planned to attend the oral arguments at the Supreme Court.
• Mortgage refinances surged again, but rates are now suddenly jumping higher - Mortgage refinancing jumped sharply higher for the second straight week, as interest rates fell further, but that boom may be about to bust.
• Supreme Court Considers Trump’s Attempt to Fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook - The justices deferred a decision on the president’s efforts to oust Cook, agreeing to hear arguments on Wednesday instead.
• Big Plan for Fannie and Freddie I.P.O. in Flux as Trump Pushes Affordability - Six months after President Trump told Wall Street banks to prepare a swift stock offering, there is no firm plan for how to take the giant mortgage firms public.
• Existing home sales end 2025 with a strong beat, as prices ease further - Home sales ended 2025 much stronger than expected, likely thanks to lower mortgage rates and easing home prices.
• Here’s what’s happening now with mortgage rates after Trump's latest push on housing affordability - President Donald Trump posted on social media Thursday that he is instructing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds.
• Trump instructs 'representatives' to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds, aiming to lower rates - President Donald Trump said he is "instructing my Representatives" to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds.
• Real estate agents say the housing market is starting to balance out - The latest housing survey shows agents slightly more optimistic about the new year, and shows a previously strong buyer's market becoming more balanced.