Real Estate News 06/12/2026

Mortgage lenders now have expanded credit score options, including VantageScore 4.0 and soon FICO 10T, alongside the traditional FICO score used for decades. These newer models can include rent and utility payment history, potentially helping some borrowers qualify for a mortgage or secure better rates. They also use “trended data,” which analyzes credit behavior over time rather than a single snapshot, offering a more detailed view of borrower risk. However, experts note that many renters still do not have their payment history reported, limiting the immediate impact of these changes.

In The News:

CNBC – “Mortgage Lenders Now Have More Credit Score Options: What Homebuyers Should Know“ (05-05-2026)

"Lenders now have more credit score options that may help some homebuyers qualify more easily. But limited rent reporting means not all borrowers will immediately benefit from the new scoring models.”

Redfin News – “Typical Homebuyer’s Down Payment Falls to $64,000 as Americans Hold Onto Cash“ (06-02-2026)

“Down payments have declined as buyers adjust to higher housing costs and softer competition. Many homebuyers are prioritizing cash flexibility over larger upfront payments in today’s market..”

The Mortgage Note– “Single-Family Starts Stalled In April”(05-22-2026)

“Single-family housing starts fell in April as higher rates and costs continued to slow new construction. At the same time, multifamily development strengthened, reflecting shifting demand in the housing market.”

World Property Journal – “Higher Rates Chill U.S. Mortgage Demand in May” (05-29-2026)

“Higher mortgage rates in May caused a sharp decline in overall loan applications, especially refinancing. However, home purchase demand held up better, showing continued underlying housing resilience.”

Redfin News – “Sellers Are Delisting Homes as Buyer Leverage Grows in the Housing Market” (05-08-2026)

"Delistings are rising as sellers struggle to meet buyer expectations in a slower housing market. Many homeowners are pulling listings and waiting for better conditions instead of lowering prices.”