Mortgage finance m&A deals are ticking up

Mortgage finance M&A deals are ticking up, with two mid-sized lenders announcing consolidation moves to cut costs and scale underwriting operations. Analysts expect more such deals if rate volatility subsides. Having a strong credit score is one of the best things you can do to get approved and get a lower rate. You’re also likely to look better to mortgage refinance lenders if you don’t have too much debt relative to your income. You should keep a regular watch on mortgage rates , which fluctuate often. Also see if you can manage a mortgage payment for a shorter loan term since they usually have lower interest rates. The decision to refinance isn't just about grabbing a lower rate, though. You'll need to factor in closing costs , which typically run between 2% and 5% of the loan amount. For a $700,000 refinance, that means potentially paying $14,000 to $35,000 upfront. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) reports mortgage finance delinquency rates holding at 0.62%, a historically low level. This metric supports bullish outlooks on agency MBS performance in the next quarter.