Homebuyers Face Rising Mortgage Rates Ahead of Spring Selling Season
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 13 2026
0mins
Should l Buy UWMC?
Source: CNBC
- Rising Rate Trend: As of Thursday, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has climbed to 6.35%, up significantly from 5.99% two weeks prior, indicating that homebuyers are facing increased borrowing costs due to inflation fears driven by rising oil prices.
- Oil Price Impact: Brent crude prices surged to $119.50 per barrel following the outbreak of conflict, up from about $70, putting pressure on mortgage rates and prompting economists to warn that fluctuations in oil prices will directly affect homebuyer affordability.
- Improved Buyer Power: Despite rising rates, data shows that middle-income homebuyers now have $30,000 more purchasing power than a year ago, partly due to home prices not escalating as previously expected, suggesting that market conditions have improved compared to last spring.
- Diverse Loan Options: Homebuyers should consider
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy UWMC?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on UWMC
Wall Street analysts forecast UWMC stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 3.640
Low
5.00
Averages
6.54
High
10.00
Current: 3.640
Low
5.00
Averages
6.54
High
10.00
About UWMC
UWM Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the origination, sale and servicing of residential mortgage loans throughout the United States. The Company originates primarily conforming and government loans across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It operates in a single segment and is engaged in the origination, sale and servicing of residential mortgage loans, exclusively in the wholesale channel. It is focused on originating conventional, agency-eligible loans that can be sold to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or transferred to Ginnie Mae pools for sale in the secondary market. Its conventional agency-conforming loans meet the general underwriting guidelines established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Easiest Application System Ever is its primary LOS that allows clients to interact with the Company and to select products, lock rates and run the Automated Underwriting System. Blink+ is its client facing point of sale system white-labeled for its clients.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Mortgage Application Volume Continues to Decline Amid Rising Rates
- Rising Mortgage Rates: The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 6.57% from 6.43% due to inflation fears stemming from the ongoing war with Iran, which burdens buyers and dampens market activity.
- Significant Decline in Applications: Total mortgage application volume fell by 10.4% from the previous week, with refinance applications dropping 17%, indicating heightened sensitivity to current rates and a decline in buyer confidence.
- Fluctuating Purchase Applications: While purchase applications were only 1% higher than the same week last year, they decreased by 3% this week, suggesting that economic uncertainty is impacting buyer confidence, particularly in the traditionally active spring housing market.
- Uncertain Market Outlook: Although applications for FHA and VA loans are holding up better, the sharp rise in rates and overall economic uncertainty may further suppress buyer confidence, affecting future market performance.
See More
UWMC's Acquisition of Two Harbors Terminated
- Acquisition Termination: UWMC announced the termination of its acquisition agreement with Two Harbors Investment after the latter signed a new merger agreement with CrossCountry Mortgage, indicating that Two Harbors' management decisions do not reflect the best interests of their shareholders.
- Management Controversy: UWMC highlighted that the same management team at Two Harbors, which had to settle a $375 million lawsuit last summer, is making controversial decisions again, suggesting that their choices may be driven more by ego than sound judgment.
- Strategic Intent: UWMC's original strategy was to acquire Two Harbors' servicing book rather than its operations, asserting that there are no operational efficiencies to gain since its own operations are already best in class.
- Competitive Bidding: Two Harbors opted for CrossCountry Mortgage's superior offer of $10.80 per share over UWMC's $10.70 proposal, reflecting the intense competition in the market and the emphasis on maximizing shareholder value.
See More
UWMC Issues Statement on TWO Acquisition Proposal
- Acquisition Proposal Controversy: UWMC expresses dissatisfaction with TWO's management actions, asserting that their decisions do not reflect shareholder interests, particularly after the management recently settled a $375 million lawsuit, indicating a lack of sound judgment.
- Strategic Intent Clarified: UWMC emphasizes that the purpose of acquiring TWO is to obtain its servicing business rather than its operations, characterizing TWO's business as a 'melting ice cube' while asserting that UWMC is in growth mode and continues to lead the wholesale channel market.
- Market Leadership Position: UWM Holdings Corporation, as the largest home mortgage lender in the U.S., has maintained its leading position in the wholesale mortgage market for 11 consecutive years and is also the largest provider of purchase loans nationwide, showcasing its strong competitive edge.
- Culture of Technological Innovation: UWMC reinforces its market leadership through continuous technological innovation and enhanced client experience, leveraging proprietary technology platforms and close partnerships with the independent mortgage broker community to ensure a competitive advantage in the future.
See More
UWM HOLDINGS CORP: TWO HARBORS MANAGEMENT AND BOARD'S DECISIONS FAIL TO SERVE SHAREHOLDER INTERESTS
Management Actions: The management and board of Two Harbors Investment Corp. have taken actions that do not align with the best interests of their shareholders.
Shareholder Concerns: There are significant concerns regarding the decisions made by the management and board, indicating a potential disconnect from shareholder priorities.
See More
UWMC Addresses Two Harbors Acquisition Agreement
Response to Two Harbors Acquisition: UWM has issued a statement regarding the acquisition of Two Harbors Investment Corp, addressing the implications and their stance on the deal.
Market Reactions: The announcement has led to varied reactions in the market, with analysts weighing in on the potential impact of the acquisition on both companies involved.
Strategic Considerations: UWM outlines its strategic considerations in light of the acquisition, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining competitive advantages in the industry.
Future Outlook: The company discusses its future outlook post-acquisition, indicating plans for growth and adaptation in response to the changing market landscape.
See More
Two Harbors Investment Corp. Announces Acquisition Agreement
- Acquisition Agreement Details: Two Harbors Investment Corp. announced an acquisition agreement with CrossCountry Intermediate Holdco at $10.80 per share in cash, reflecting a roughly 5% discount to its prior close, indicating market caution regarding the deal.
- Termination of Previous Merger: The agreement terminates the earlier merger with UWM Holdings Corp., which offered $10.70 per share, marking a significant strategic shift for the company that could impact its future market positioning.
- Shareholder Compensation Structure: Under the new agreement, common shareholders will receive $10.80 per share in cash, while preferred shareholders will receive $25 per share upon closing, ensuring the interests of different shareholder classes are protected.
- Future Outlook: The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, at which point Two Harbors will be delisted from the NYSE and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CrossCountry, a change that may affect its operational model and market strategy.
See More
Mortgage Application Volume Continues to Decline Amid Rising Rates
- Rising Mortgage Rates: The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 6.57% from 6.43% due to inflation fears stemming from the ongoing war with Iran, which burdens buyers and dampens market activity.
- Significant Decline in Applications: Total mortgage application volume fell by 10.4% from the previous week, with refinance applications dropping 17%, indicating heightened sensitivity to current rates and a decline in buyer confidence.
- Fluctuating Purchase Applications: While purchase applications were only 1% higher than the same week last year, they decreased by 3% this week, suggesting that economic uncertainty is impacting buyer confidence, particularly in the traditionally active spring housing market.
- Uncertain Market Outlook: Although applications for FHA and VA loans are holding up better, the sharp rise in rates and overall economic uncertainty may further suppress buyer confidence, affecting future market performance.
See More
UWMC's Acquisition of Two Harbors Terminated
- Acquisition Termination: UWMC announced the termination of its acquisition agreement with Two Harbors Investment after the latter signed a new merger agreement with CrossCountry Mortgage, indicating that Two Harbors' management decisions do not reflect the best interests of their shareholders.
- Management Controversy: UWMC highlighted that the same management team at Two Harbors, which had to settle a $375 million lawsuit last summer, is making controversial decisions again, suggesting that their choices may be driven more by ego than sound judgment.
- Strategic Intent: UWMC's original strategy was to acquire Two Harbors' servicing book rather than its operations, asserting that there are no operational efficiencies to gain since its own operations are already best in class.
- Competitive Bidding: Two Harbors opted for CrossCountry Mortgage's superior offer of $10.80 per share over UWMC's $10.70 proposal, reflecting the intense competition in the market and the emphasis on maximizing shareholder value.
See More
UWMC Issues Statement on TWO Acquisition Proposal
- Acquisition Proposal Controversy: UWMC expresses dissatisfaction with TWO's management actions, asserting that their decisions do not reflect shareholder interests, particularly after the management recently settled a $375 million lawsuit, indicating a lack of sound judgment.
- Strategic Intent Clarified: UWMC emphasizes that the purpose of acquiring TWO is to obtain its servicing business rather than its operations, characterizing TWO's business as a 'melting ice cube' while asserting that UWMC is in growth mode and continues to lead the wholesale channel market.
- Market Leadership Position: UWM Holdings Corporation, as the largest home mortgage lender in the U.S., has maintained its leading position in the wholesale mortgage market for 11 consecutive years and is also the largest provider of purchase loans nationwide, showcasing its strong competitive edge.
- Culture of Technological Innovation: UWMC reinforces its market leadership through continuous technological innovation and enhanced client experience, leveraging proprietary technology platforms and close partnerships with the independent mortgage broker community to ensure a competitive advantage in the future.
See More
UWM HOLDINGS CORP: TWO HARBORS MANAGEMENT AND BOARD'S DECISIONS FAIL TO SERVE SHAREHOLDER INTERESTS
Management Actions: The management and board of Two Harbors Investment Corp. have taken actions that do not align with the best interests of their shareholders.
Shareholder Concerns: There are significant concerns regarding the decisions made by the management and board, indicating a potential disconnect from shareholder priorities.
See More
UWMC Addresses Two Harbors Acquisition Agreement
Response to Two Harbors Acquisition: UWM has issued a statement regarding the acquisition of Two Harbors Investment Corp, addressing the implications and their stance on the deal.
Market Reactions: The announcement has led to varied reactions in the market, with analysts weighing in on the potential impact of the acquisition on both companies involved.
Strategic Considerations: UWM outlines its strategic considerations in light of the acquisition, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining competitive advantages in the industry.
Future Outlook: The company discusses its future outlook post-acquisition, indicating plans for growth and adaptation in response to the changing market landscape.
See More
Two Harbors Investment Corp. Announces Acquisition Agreement
- Acquisition Agreement Details: Two Harbors Investment Corp. announced an acquisition agreement with CrossCountry Intermediate Holdco at $10.80 per share in cash, reflecting a roughly 5% discount to its prior close, indicating market caution regarding the deal.
- Termination of Previous Merger: The agreement terminates the earlier merger with UWM Holdings Corp., which offered $10.70 per share, marking a significant strategic shift for the company that could impact its future market positioning.
- Shareholder Compensation Structure: Under the new agreement, common shareholders will receive $10.80 per share in cash, while preferred shareholders will receive $25 per share upon closing, ensuring the interests of different shareholder classes are protected.
- Future Outlook: The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, at which point Two Harbors will be delisted from the NYSE and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CrossCountry, a change that may affect its operational model and market strategy.
See More
