The Mortgage News
Published February 14, 2026
New York Fed Finds Local Economies Are “Starting to Crack”
FEDERAL RESERVE
PUBLISHED WED, JAN 28 2026 2:00PM EST | UPDATE WED, JAN 28 2026
The Mortgage News
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Early January brought refinancing opportunities for many Americans as declining rates unlocked potential savings, according to ICE’s February 2026 Mortgage Monitor Report.
Near-6% rates helped boost affordability to a four-year high. At that level, as many as 5 million Americans would save money every month by refinancing.
“When rates hit 6.04% on January 9, the number of homeowners in the money to refinance jumped by 20%,” said Andy Walden, Head of Mortgage and Housing Market Research at ICE.
Some of those savings have dissipated as rates inched up into February, but the data underscores how even small changes can benefit borrowers in today’s market.
The number of mortgages with 6%+ rates now exceeds those below 3%, a major reversal from the pandemic refinancing boom and sea change for refi demand. More borrowers can benefit from making a change in today’s environment.
“That said, affordability remains structurally challenged, with home prices still elevated relative to incomes and meaningful differences emerging across regions and borrower segments,” Walden added.
NAP proven proprietary system was created to educate and coach entrepreneurs on how to buy non-performing mortgages, from big banks and hedge funds, and turn them into a working asset. Once trained, our trade desk features an inventory of pre-qualified, delinquent loans nationwide, ready for purchase.
One-on-one coaching with an experienced N.A.P. Note Advisor to help you buy your first Note!
Our unique hands-on-training program gives you direct access to the resources and counsel of the N.A.P. team. We’ll guide you through the process of becoming a successful note investor which includes giving you access to our coveted trade desk. You will receive weekly one-hour calls with one of our experienced Note Advisors who will advise you on the process from due diligence all the way to your preferred exit strategy. It is our personal mission to ensure you buy a note while you are part of the hands-on training program so this is only for investors who are ready to take action!
Online training that will teach you the nuts and bolts of investing in distressed mortgage notes
We’ve developed an easy to follow e-course that is designed to give you the tools and knowledge you need to begin investing in mortgage notes. We take you all the way from the due diligence process through what to do once you reach your preferred exit strategy and everything in between. Let us guide you through the world of non-performing banknotes and show you how they can change the way you invest in real estate.
2-day interactive event teaching you the INs and OUTs of both performing and non-performing banknotes
Join us for our 2-day, fully interactive event where you learn everything you need to know about buying performing and non-performing banknotes. You will get access to some of our black book resources such as attorneys, insurance companies, retirement services, and more. In addition to unparalleled networking with former, existing, and new attendees. This is an event you do NOT want to miss!
President & Founder of the Note Assistance Program has 26 years of Investing in Real Estate Mortgage Note’s
The Vice President of the Note Assistance Program has 9 years of investing in Real Estate Mortgage Note’s