Weekly Mortgage News Roundup for Aug. 28, 2020

These are our top mortgage news stories for the week. Whether you're buying a home or refinancing, check out what's been happening.

Mortgage rates stayed low this week as news on a new refinancing fee changed in buyers' favor. Here are some big stories worth reading:

• Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's Refinancing Fee Delayed

Earlier in the month, Fannie and Freddie dropped a bombshell -- a 0.5% refinancing fee that was initially set to take effect on Sept. 1. It's now been pushed back to Dec. 1, which is good news for homeowners who haven't started the refinancing process yet. Of course, better news would be that fee going away completely, but let's hope.

• Mortgage Delinquencies Reach a 10-Year High, but There's More to the Story

The number of mortgages that haven't been paid in 90 days is at a high. But that doesn't mean homeowners are wrecking their credit left and right. A lot of those loans are in forbearance, and oddly enough, they count toward the total tally.

• Fewer Homeowners Are Pausing Their Mortgage Payments, and That's a Good Sign

The mortgage forbearance rate fell slightly this week, which could signal that more Americans are recovering financially from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We don't know if that rate will keep dropping, but this is certainly positive news.

• VA Loans Are Exploding in 2020, Data Reveals

VA loan activity climbed 114% since the start of the 2020 fiscal year (which ends at the end of Sept, if you're curious). There are plenty of benefits to getting a VA loan -- but you need that military connection to apply.

• Mortgage Lending Forecast to Be $1 Trillion Higher in 2020 Than 2019

Low rates are sending buyers and refinancers clamoring for new loans. As such, mortgage lending has skyrocketed this year compared to last -- despite the ongoing recession.

Whether you're looking to buy a new home, refinance a mortgage, or simply keep tabs on the housing market, keep tuning in to The Ascent's mortgage coverage. It's your one-stop source for all things mortgage-related.