Weekly Mortgage News Roundup for Jan. 22, 2021

What happened in the world of mortgages and housing last week? You can find out all the news right here.

Mortgage rates crept upwards early in the week, but fell toward the end -- and they still remain near record lows. Fluctuating rates weren't the only development this week, though. Here's some other mortgage news you should know about.

• Mortgage Refinance Applications Fall 5% as Rates Rise

With rates rising slightly, fewer existing homeowners are submitting new applications to refinance their existing home loans. Find out what factors could be causing this rise in rates and how demand for new mortgage loans has been impacted.

• FHFA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium to Feb. 28

With millions of homeowners still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Housing Financing Agency has extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures. While banks and landlords were originally barred from acting only through the end of June 2020, this deadline has been pushed back multiple times -- most recently, to Feb. 28.

• 2.74 Million Homeowners Are Still in Forbearance: What You Need to Know About Exiting It

Millions of Americans have paused payments on their home loans -- but this can't last forever. If your forbearance period will soon come to an end, it's important you're prepared for what happens next.

• 0% Mortgage Rates Reach Europe. Could That Happen in the U.S.?

In Denmark, it's possible to secure a mortgage loan at 0%. If you're hoping this will happen in the United States, it's an unlikely prospect because the Federal Reserve would have to set the rate at which banks borrow from each other to below 0%. But while you probably won't pay no interest for a mortgage, rates are still very competitive.

• Want to Lower Your Housing Costs? Downsizing Isn't Always the Answer

Downsizing to a smaller home might seem, on the surface, to be the best and easiest way to reduce the amount you're paying for housing. But there are reasons why this may not always be the best approach for your situation.

• This Is the Most Popular Mortgage Lender in the U.S.

Some mortgage lenders originate far more home loans than others. Find out here which lender is the single most popular issuer of home loans in the entire United States.

• 13.2% of Borrowers in Mortgage Forbearance Exited Without a Plan

Coronavirus relief legislation provided the option for many struggling homeowners to put their loans into forbearance, or temporarily pause payments on them. But the key word is "temporary." Forbearance has ended for many and a shocking number of borrowers have been left floundering without a plan to get back on track.

• 3 Options for Financing Home Improvements in 2021

If you'll be upgrading your home this year, you have many options for how to pay for the costs -- including borrowing against the equity in your home. But which is the right approach to paying for your repairs or improvements?

• Thinking of Buying Land? Be Sure to Get Answers to These Questions

Is your property located on wetlands? This is just one of several questions it's important to ask before you purchase land. Otherwise, you could find yourself the proud owner of a plot of land that you can't use for your intended purpose.

• 3 Ways to Get the Best Possible Mortgage Rate

Want to make sure your home loan is as affordable as possible? Taking these steps could help ensure you don't pay more interest than necessary when you secure a mortgage loan.

• Owning a Home Is More Affordable Than Renting in Most Markets, Data Shows

If you want to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to spending on housing, it could pay to own your own place. Research has shown that in many markets, it's actually more affordable for you to pay the costs associated with homeownership than it is to rent a comparable property.

Whether you're planning to purchase a home, are considering refinancing your existing mortgage loan, or are simply interested in the mortgage and housing markets, The Ascent's mortgage coverage will ensure you're up to date on exciting developments. Check back weekly to learn all you can about home loans and housing.