Colin Robertson
@mortgagetruth.bsky.social
Wholesale AE in the early 2000s. Commentary on mortgage/real estate/housing market since 2006 @ http://thetruthaboutmortgage.com
Want to know just how useless a 50-year mortgage is?
It's a difference of about $165 per month on a $400,000 loan amount.
To make matters a lot worse, you’d be looking at total interest of $863k versus $418k if you went with a traditional 30-year loan.
It's a difference of about $165 per month on a $400,000 loan amount.
To make matters a lot worse, you’d be looking at total interest of $863k versus $418k if you went with a traditional 30-year loan.
November 10, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Want to know just how useless a 50-year mortgage is?
It's a difference of about $165 per month on a $400,000 loan amount.
To make matters a lot worse, you’d be looking at total interest of $863k versus $418k if you went with a traditional 30-year loan.
It's a difference of about $165 per month on a $400,000 loan amount.
To make matters a lot worse, you’d be looking at total interest of $863k versus $418k if you went with a traditional 30-year loan.
Don's post tells me two very important things.
A) He's never heard of the ATR/QM rule that banned mortgages with loan terms longer than 30 years.
B) He's given up on returning the 30-year fixed to 3% or lower.
A) He's never heard of the ATR/QM rule that banned mortgages with loan terms longer than 30 years.
B) He's given up on returning the 30-year fixed to 3% or lower.
November 9, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Don's post tells me two very important things.
A) He's never heard of the ATR/QM rule that banned mortgages with loan terms longer than 30 years.
B) He's given up on returning the 30-year fixed to 3% or lower.
A) He's never heard of the ATR/QM rule that banned mortgages with loan terms longer than 30 years.
B) He's given up on returning the 30-year fixed to 3% or lower.
Cooler than expected CPI report does one important thing for mortgage rates today; prevents them from bouncing HIGHER.
It also paves the way for the Fed to justify a rate cut next week less friction.
And gets us ever closer to the 5s for the 30-year fixed, albeit slowly and likely with resistance.
It also paves the way for the Fed to justify a rate cut next week less friction.
And gets us ever closer to the 5s for the 30-year fixed, albeit slowly and likely with resistance.
October 24, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Cooler than expected CPI report does one important thing for mortgage rates today; prevents them from bouncing HIGHER.
It also paves the way for the Fed to justify a rate cut next week less friction.
And gets us ever closer to the 5s for the 30-year fixed, albeit slowly and likely with resistance.
It also paves the way for the Fed to justify a rate cut next week less friction.
And gets us ever closer to the 5s for the 30-year fixed, albeit slowly and likely with resistance.
🚨 Big CPI report tomorrow (delayed due to the shutdown). And the ONLY data report we'll get for a while.
If it comes in hot, mortgage rates might push back toward 6.5%.
If it comes in cold, mortgage rates might be knocking on 5%'s door.
The first time they've been there since February 2nd, 2023!
If it comes in hot, mortgage rates might push back toward 6.5%.
If it comes in cold, mortgage rates might be knocking on 5%'s door.
The first time they've been there since February 2nd, 2023!
October 23, 2025 at 9:14 PM
🚨 Big CPI report tomorrow (delayed due to the shutdown). And the ONLY data report we'll get for a while.
If it comes in hot, mortgage rates might push back toward 6.5%.
If it comes in cold, mortgage rates might be knocking on 5%'s door.
The first time they've been there since February 2nd, 2023!
If it comes in hot, mortgage rates might push back toward 6.5%.
If it comes in cold, mortgage rates might be knocking on 5%'s door.
The first time they've been there since February 2nd, 2023!
United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the nation's largest mortgage lender, just announced a 10-year, ~$115M naming rights deal for the downtown Phoenix arena.
Formerly known as Footprint Center, it will now be known as Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.
Formerly known as Footprint Center, it will now be known as Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.
October 2, 2025 at 8:24 PM
United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the nation's largest mortgage lender, just announced a 10-year, ~$115M naming rights deal for the downtown Phoenix arena.
Formerly known as Footprint Center, it will now be known as Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.
Formerly known as Footprint Center, it will now be known as Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.
POV: You're inquiring about an FHA loan...🤦♂️
September 30, 2025 at 9:06 PM
POV: You're inquiring about an FHA loan...🤦♂️
This time it does in fact appear to be different.
September 30, 2025 at 3:24 PM
This time it does in fact appear to be different.
Pulte: "Since the President has come into office he's lowered mortgage rates, you can see, you know, when he started out it's already down."
"And then on top of that Maria, refinancings are through the roof."
"And then on top of that Maria, refinancings are through the roof."
September 27, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Pulte: "Since the President has come into office he's lowered mortgage rates, you can see, you know, when he started out it's already down."
"And then on top of that Maria, refinancings are through the roof."
"And then on top of that Maria, refinancings are through the roof."
The credit card that lets you earn points for paying the mortgage each month is offering a 50k sign-up bonus.
But the $12k minimum spend is pretty steep and the mortgage payment itself doesn't count toward that.
I've been pondering the card but remain on the fence.
But the $12k minimum spend is pretty steep and the mortgage payment itself doesn't count toward that.
I've been pondering the card but remain on the fence.
September 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The credit card that lets you earn points for paying the mortgage each month is offering a 50k sign-up bonus.
But the $12k minimum spend is pretty steep and the mortgage payment itself doesn't count toward that.
I've been pondering the card but remain on the fence.
But the $12k minimum spend is pretty steep and the mortgage payment itself doesn't count toward that.
I've been pondering the card but remain on the fence.
Mortgage rates, like all other things, don’t move in a straight line up or down.
But if you zoom out they’ve been trending lower as opposed to higher since late 2023 and despite the past couple days, could well continue that move lower.
But if you zoom out they’ve been trending lower as opposed to higher since late 2023 and despite the past couple days, could well continue that move lower.
September 18, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Mortgage rates, like all other things, don’t move in a straight line up or down.
But if you zoom out they’ve been trending lower as opposed to higher since late 2023 and despite the past couple days, could well continue that move lower.
But if you zoom out they’ve been trending lower as opposed to higher since late 2023 and despite the past couple days, could well continue that move lower.
Mortgage rates have basically come full circle over the past 52 weeks.
The question now is will they keep moving lower or reverse course and turn higher again?
The answer will be determined by either increased unemployment or worsening inflation.
The question now is will they keep moving lower or reverse course and turn higher again?
The answer will be determined by either increased unemployment or worsening inflation.
September 9, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Mortgage rates have basically come full circle over the past 52 weeks.
The question now is will they keep moving lower or reverse course and turn higher again?
The answer will be determined by either increased unemployment or worsening inflation.
The question now is will they keep moving lower or reverse course and turn higher again?
The answer will be determined by either increased unemployment or worsening inflation.
Mortgage rates moved lower today on fewer job openings and higher layoffs.
When there are less jobs available, employers can pay less and that's good for wage inflation.
Bond yields dropped on the news and if labor comes in cold Friday, the 30-yr fixed may finally break meaningfully below 6.50%.
When there are less jobs available, employers can pay less and that's good for wage inflation.
Bond yields dropped on the news and if labor comes in cold Friday, the 30-yr fixed may finally break meaningfully below 6.50%.
September 3, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Mortgage rates moved lower today on fewer job openings and higher layoffs.
When there are less jobs available, employers can pay less and that's good for wage inflation.
Bond yields dropped on the news and if labor comes in cold Friday, the 30-yr fixed may finally break meaningfully below 6.50%.
When there are less jobs available, employers can pay less and that's good for wage inflation.
Bond yields dropped on the news and if labor comes in cold Friday, the 30-yr fixed may finally break meaningfully below 6.50%.
My friend got an email from his loan servicer yesterday saying he could tap $474k.
He didn't understand it. Said but I only owe ~$800k...
I said yeah, lenders require a buffer so you aren't levered to 100%.
A) Thank goodness for guardrails
B) Crazy how little the average homeowner understands
He didn't understand it. Said but I only owe ~$800k...
I said yeah, lenders require a buffer so you aren't levered to 100%.
A) Thank goodness for guardrails
B) Crazy how little the average homeowner understands
August 30, 2025 at 4:03 PM
My friend got an email from his loan servicer yesterday saying he could tap $474k.
He didn't understand it. Said but I only owe ~$800k...
I said yeah, lenders require a buffer so you aren't levered to 100%.
A) Thank goodness for guardrails
B) Crazy how little the average homeowner understands
He didn't understand it. Said but I only owe ~$800k...
I said yeah, lenders require a buffer so you aren't levered to 100%.
A) Thank goodness for guardrails
B) Crazy how little the average homeowner understands
Mortgage rates hit a fresh 2025 low this week after Jerome Powell implied cuts were on the way.
The 30-year fixed fell to 6.52%, per Mortgage News Daily, the lowest level since early October.
However, rates could rise between now and Fed cut day in mid-September, and a cut still isn't a guarantee.
The 30-year fixed fell to 6.52%, per Mortgage News Daily, the lowest level since early October.
However, rates could rise between now and Fed cut day in mid-September, and a cut still isn't a guarantee.
August 24, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Mortgage rates hit a fresh 2025 low this week after Jerome Powell implied cuts were on the way.
The 30-year fixed fell to 6.52%, per Mortgage News Daily, the lowest level since early October.
However, rates could rise between now and Fed cut day in mid-September, and a cut still isn't a guarantee.
The 30-year fixed fell to 6.52%, per Mortgage News Daily, the lowest level since early October.
However, rates could rise between now and Fed cut day in mid-September, and a cut still isn't a guarantee.
Apparently "The Great American Mortgage Corporation" is the new collective name for Fannie and Freddie.
And Bill Ackman thinks a combined company could lead to lower mortgage rates for consumers.
All somehow expected to happen in three months.
And Bill Ackman thinks a combined company could lead to lower mortgage rates for consumers.
All somehow expected to happen in three months.
August 11, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Apparently "The Great American Mortgage Corporation" is the new collective name for Fannie and Freddie.
And Bill Ackman thinks a combined company could lead to lower mortgage rates for consumers.
All somehow expected to happen in three months.
And Bill Ackman thinks a combined company could lead to lower mortgage rates for consumers.
All somehow expected to happen in three months.
Robinhood has teamed up w/ Sage Home Loans to offer mortgage rate discounts to its Gold members.
We're talking a 0.75% rate discount (relative to the daily MND rate) & a $500 closing cost credit.
However, Robinhood Gold costs $5 per month (or $50 per year). And you still need to shop around.
We're talking a 0.75% rate discount (relative to the daily MND rate) & a $500 closing cost credit.
However, Robinhood Gold costs $5 per month (or $50 per year). And you still need to shop around.
July 3, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Robinhood has teamed up w/ Sage Home Loans to offer mortgage rate discounts to its Gold members.
We're talking a 0.75% rate discount (relative to the daily MND rate) & a $500 closing cost credit.
However, Robinhood Gold costs $5 per month (or $50 per year). And you still need to shop around.
We're talking a 0.75% rate discount (relative to the daily MND rate) & a $500 closing cost credit.
However, Robinhood Gold costs $5 per month (or $50 per year). And you still need to shop around.
Rocket has completed its takeover of Redfin and is now integrated into all mortgage-related aspects of the app/website.
Here's a first look at the new Rocket Preferred Pricing.
Customers who use Redfin & Rocket Mortgage get either a 1% rate buydown in year one or up to a $6k lender credit.
Here's a first look at the new Rocket Preferred Pricing.
Customers who use Redfin & Rocket Mortgage get either a 1% rate buydown in year one or up to a $6k lender credit.
July 1, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Rocket has completed its takeover of Redfin and is now integrated into all mortgage-related aspects of the app/website.
Here's a first look at the new Rocket Preferred Pricing.
Customers who use Redfin & Rocket Mortgage get either a 1% rate buydown in year one or up to a $6k lender credit.
Here's a first look at the new Rocket Preferred Pricing.
Customers who use Redfin & Rocket Mortgage get either a 1% rate buydown in year one or up to a $6k lender credit.
Mortgage rates have quietly inched down near their lowest levels of 2025.
Now even the most aggressive 2025 mortgage rate forecasts (think sub-6% by year-end) are on the table again.
And there are still six months left in the year to get there.
Now even the most aggressive 2025 mortgage rate forecasts (think sub-6% by year-end) are on the table again.
And there are still six months left in the year to get there.
June 30, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Mortgage rates have quietly inched down near their lowest levels of 2025.
Now even the most aggressive 2025 mortgage rate forecasts (think sub-6% by year-end) are on the table again.
And there are still six months left in the year to get there.
Now even the most aggressive 2025 mortgage rate forecasts (think sub-6% by year-end) are on the table again.
And there are still six months left in the year to get there.
The nation's largest mortgage lender, UWM, was also #1 in the state of Georgia last year.
Total production of nearly $5 billion, followed by Rocket Mortgage with $4.4B and Ameris Bank with $2B.
Top home builder D.R. Horton's in-house lender DHI Mortgage also made the list.
Total production of nearly $5 billion, followed by Rocket Mortgage with $4.4B and Ameris Bank with $2B.
Top home builder D.R. Horton's in-house lender DHI Mortgage also made the list.
June 25, 2025 at 7:12 PM
The nation's largest mortgage lender, UWM, was also #1 in the state of Georgia last year.
Total production of nearly $5 billion, followed by Rocket Mortgage with $4.4B and Ameris Bank with $2B.
Top home builder D.R. Horton's in-house lender DHI Mortgage also made the list.
Total production of nearly $5 billion, followed by Rocket Mortgage with $4.4B and Ameris Bank with $2B.
Top home builder D.R. Horton's in-house lender DHI Mortgage also made the list.
Mortgage rates are falling post-Iran strikes...
The driver is cheaper oil prices (for now), less concern about tariffs being inflationary, and a second Fed official calling for rate cuts earlier.
But geopolitics will keep things choppy.
The driver is cheaper oil prices (for now), less concern about tariffs being inflationary, and a second Fed official calling for rate cuts earlier.
But geopolitics will keep things choppy.
June 23, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Mortgage rates are falling post-Iran strikes...
The driver is cheaper oil prices (for now), less concern about tariffs being inflationary, and a second Fed official calling for rate cuts earlier.
But geopolitics will keep things choppy.
The driver is cheaper oil prices (for now), less concern about tariffs being inflationary, and a second Fed official calling for rate cuts earlier.
But geopolitics will keep things choppy.
Instead of asking for rate cuts, why not enact policy that leads to less inflation and by extension lower interest rates?
If you truly want to bring down mortgage rates and help the housing market, clarity is needed.
This means finalizing all the tariffs, the government spending bill, etc.
If you truly want to bring down mortgage rates and help the housing market, clarity is needed.
This means finalizing all the tariffs, the government spending bill, etc.
May 27, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Instead of asking for rate cuts, why not enact policy that leads to less inflation and by extension lower interest rates?
If you truly want to bring down mortgage rates and help the housing market, clarity is needed.
This means finalizing all the tariffs, the government spending bill, etc.
If you truly want to bring down mortgage rates and help the housing market, clarity is needed.
This means finalizing all the tariffs, the government spending bill, etc.
My take on mortgage rates now is that anything closer to 6% than 7% has become the "magic number."
E.g. a rate of 6.49% and below and it appears to be game on for home buyers.
E.g. a rate of 6.49% and below and it appears to be game on for home buyers.
May 22, 2025 at 9:29 PM
My take on mortgage rates now is that anything closer to 6% than 7% has become the "magic number."
E.g. a rate of 6.49% and below and it appears to be game on for home buyers.
E.g. a rate of 6.49% and below and it appears to be game on for home buyers.
The top mortgage lenders in Texas now include several home builders, which happen to have their own in-house lenders.
Both D.R. Horton's DHI Mortgage and Lennar Mortgage made the list last year thanks to their massive mortgage rate buydowns.
Sign of the times...
Both D.R. Horton's DHI Mortgage and Lennar Mortgage made the list last year thanks to their massive mortgage rate buydowns.
Sign of the times...
May 20, 2025 at 3:19 PM
The top mortgage lenders in Texas now include several home builders, which happen to have their own in-house lenders.
Both D.R. Horton's DHI Mortgage and Lennar Mortgage made the list last year thanks to their massive mortgage rate buydowns.
Sign of the times...
Both D.R. Horton's DHI Mortgage and Lennar Mortgage made the list last year thanks to their massive mortgage rate buydowns.
Sign of the times...
I keep reading articles that try to argue that mortgage rates aren't that high. That they're lower than their long-term average (which is true).
Yet any time rates drop, home buyers pounce. So clearly rates ARE too high.
Yet any time rates drop, home buyers pounce. So clearly rates ARE too high.
May 19, 2025 at 11:36 PM
I keep reading articles that try to argue that mortgage rates aren't that high. That they're lower than their long-term average (which is true).
Yet any time rates drop, home buyers pounce. So clearly rates ARE too high.
Yet any time rates drop, home buyers pounce. So clearly rates ARE too high.
A look at the top 10 mortgage lenders in the state of California in 2024.
If you got a mortgage in CA last year, did you use one of these lenders?
If you got a mortgage in CA last year, did you use one of these lenders?
April 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A look at the top 10 mortgage lenders in the state of California in 2024.
If you got a mortgage in CA last year, did you use one of these lenders?
If you got a mortgage in CA last year, did you use one of these lenders?