Kathy Marsico

In 2026, residential US mortgage servicers identify declining affordability as their top challenge, with ~half of roundtable participants citing borrower affordability directly.
Payment composition matters: one servicer noted delinquencies can run >5x higher when tax-and-insurance costs exceed principal-and-interest costs monthly for borrowers nationwide overall.
A market analytics firm calls rising escrow payments a major 2026 housing risk, because property tax and insurance portions keep climbing nationwide.
Qualification snapshots can age quickly: escrow increases may push borrowers approved near mid-30% debt-to-income toward ~50%, reducing household flexibility for other expenses.
Some servicers say ~4 in 5 borrowers in bankruptcy shed other debt while staying current on mortgages, reinforcing home-payment priority today nationwide.

US Mortgage Affordability Tops Servicer Concerns

National mortgage rates were mostly lower recently, with 15-yr fixed and 5/1 ARM options easing while jumbo loans moved slightly higher overall.
The 30-yr fixed mortgage sits in the mid-6% range, keeping payment planning important for buyers comparing budgets and loan terms today carefully.
A high-5% 15-yr fixed loan may raise monthly payments versus 30-yr financing, but can cut lifetime interest and build equity faster overall.
Bond-market sentiment has improved as ceasefire talks develop, but a meaningful mortgage-rate break still hinges on resolved conflict and lower gas prices.
For buyers, focus on controllables: stronger credit, lender comparisons, rate-lock questions, float-down details, and larger down payments when feasible to improve offers.