Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: What is a mortgage rate buydown?
A mortgage rate buydown is a way to reduce your interest rate and monthly payment using upfront funds. Here’s what to know.
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Highway Insights.
Market guidance, production strategy, borrower education, and product updates for mortgage professionals.
Latest Insights.
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Mortgage Market News
Fed, Geopolitics Fuel Volatility; Home Sales Improve
Comments from Fed officials and headlines surrounding the conflict with Iran contributed to market volatility, while new home sales reached their highest pace of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Can the seller help pay my closing costs?
Seller contributions can be one way to manage the upfront costs of buying a home, depending on your financing and the terms of the transaction.
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Mortgage Market News
Fed Hikes Rates, Home Construction Cools
The Fed hiked rates for the first time in three years, while new home construction slowed and home contract signings edged up slightly from the previous month.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: What happens if the home appraisal comes in low?
A low appraisal doesn’t have to derail your home purchase. Here’s what you need to know about navigating the difference in value.
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Mortgage Market News
Fed Hike Odds Rise After Inflation Data
The latest inflation data leaves the door open to a Fed rate hike, while existing home sales declined for the third straight month.
Mortgage Market News.
This succinct analysis of the previous week's news shows what's happening in the markets and why.
Mortgage Market News
Fed, Geopolitics Fuel Volatility; Home Sales Improve
Comments from Fed officials and headlines surrounding the conflict with Iran contributed to market volatility, while new home sales reached their highest pace of the year.
Mortgage Market News
Fed Hikes Rates, Home Construction Cools
The Fed hiked rates for the first time in three years, while new home construction slowed and home contract signings edged up slightly from the previous month.
Mortgage Market News
Fed Hike Odds Rise After Inflation Data
The latest inflation data leaves the door open to a Fed rate hike, while existing home sales declined for the third straight month.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Straight answers to the questions borrowers ask most, written to be shared.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: What is a mortgage rate buydown?
A mortgage rate buydown is a way to reduce your interest rate and monthly payment using upfront funds. Here’s what to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Can the seller help pay my closing costs?
Seller contributions can be one way to manage the upfront costs of buying a home, depending on your financing and the terms of the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: What happens if the home appraisal comes in low?
A low appraisal doesn’t have to derail your home purchase. Here’s what you need to know about navigating the difference in value.
MBS Highway Housing Index.
Monthly updates on homebuyer activity, pricing pressure and sales pace both regionally and nationally.
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MBS Highway Housing Index
September 2026 MBS Highway Housing Index
The MBS Highway National Housing Index continued its downward trend in September, falling from 27 in August to 22. The index has now declined for four consecutive months after reaching a seasonal high of 47 in May. Both buyer activity and home price direction weakened from the previous month.
MBS Highway Housing Index
August 2026 MBS Highway Housing Index
The MBS Highway National Housing Index fell 5 points in August 2026 to 27, with the normal seasonal downturn exacerbated by the highest mortgage rates we’ve seen in more than a year.
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MBS Highway Housing Index
July 2026 MBS Highway Housing Index
After reaching a seasonal high of 47 in May, the MBS Highway National Housing Index continued to cool in July 2026, falling from 38 in June to 32. Buyer activity and home price direction both posted notable month-over-month declines.
Visionary Voices.
This in-depth analysis by our team of experts on crucial topics like inflation, the Fed and economic data will help you address your clients' biggest questions and concerns.
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Visionary Voices
What’s Really Driving Inflation Right Now?
Four categories drove nearly all of July’s core PCE inflation increase, with portfolio management alone accounting for about half of the monthly rise.
Visionary Voices
The Right Strategy Beats the Lowest Rate
A competitive mortgage rate matters, but choosing the right financing strategy can have an even bigger impact on your long-term financial success.
Visionary Voices
The Supply-Demand Story Homebuyers Should Know
As new home construction slows and inventory remains tight, buyers may have a window of opportunity before increased demand returns to the market.
Product Updates.
Enhancements we're making to help industry professionals better serve their clients.
Product Updates
Home Report for First-Time Buyers
We’re excited to introduce an expanded Home Report designed to help future homeowners feel more confident about buying their first home – from getting financially prepared to navigating the path to homeownership.
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Product Updates
A Smarter, Faster MBS Highway Experience
We’re rolling out a refreshed MBS Highway experience designed to help loan originators work faster, stay organized, and access the tools they use most – all with less effort and more efficiency.
Product Updates
Product Update Alert: Strike Rate
MBS Highway is excited to announce our new Strike Rate tool, which was designed to help our subscribers capture more refinance opportunities that are sitting right in their pipeline – immediately as they become available.
Product Updates
Product Update Alert: Buy vs Rent
Help your clients realize the true advantages of owning a home with our enhanced Buy vs Rent tool.