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- VantageScore CEO: Credit score average is ‘pretty healthy’
VantageScore CEO: Credit score average is ‘pretty healthy’
Plus: Trump’s HUD accuses Boston of engaging in “redlining” against white people
👋 Hey, welcome to Monday. Today’s newsletter is 560 words, a 2.5-minute read.
Disclaimer: Average mortgage rates as of December 12, 2025. © MND Daily Rate Index.
1. VantageScore CEO: Credit score average is ‘pretty healthy’
The average VantageScore credit score held steady at 701 in October (prime range), and VantageScore CEO Silvio Tavares called it “pretty healthy.”
But he warned the average is hiding a widening split in financial health: the prime tier is shrinking as more borrowers move into super-prime or slip into near- and subprime categories, with lower-income consumers seeing delinquencies rise while higher- and middle-income late payments have fallen in recent months.
“For high-income and middle-income consumers, their late payments they’ve actually dropped three of the last four months. But when you look at the lower-income consumers for that same period, their delinquencies have increased,” Tavares said. “So that’s a cause for concern as we finish out the holiday spending season, but it’s also a cause for concern for 2026.”
2. Trump’s HUD accuses Boston of engaging in “redlining” against white people
The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Thursday that it is opening an investigation into Boston’s housing policies, accusing the city of discriminating against white people.
“No person or entity—the City of Boston included—is permitted to violate civil rights protections in the name of ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,’” Craig Trainor, the HUD assistant secretary wrote in a letter to Mayor Michelle Wu.
The department is alleging that the city government had prioritized people of color in its affordable housing strategy and encouraged industry leaders to work with those communities.
Mayor Wu’s office, in a statement to Boston 25 News, said, “Boston will never abandon our commitment to fair and affordable housing, and we will defend our progress to keep Bostonians in their homes against these unhinged attacks from Washington.”
3. More Nuggets
💸 Colorado HOA bankrupted after $1.4M verdict alleging toxic mold. (Denver Post)
🏡 Powell: 'housing market faces some really significant challenges' that a 25 bps rate cut won’t resolve. (ResiClub)
🆕 Democratic AGs hire former CFPB Director Chopra. (Troutman)
✍️ Trump signs executive order targeting unified AI regulations. (NYTimes)
💼 ION: Why lawyers buy so many billboards. (theHustle)
4. Prospective homebuyers are highly motivated to purchase in 2026
88% of prospective homebuyers plan to purchase in 2026, according to the latest research recently published by RE/MAX. 78% would move within six months if prices improved, and 58% would move faster with lower rates. Overall, this study shows that buyers are highly motivated. Here are other key takeaways:
Affordability remains the primary gatekeeper – Affordability is the key factor holding buyers back, across all age groups.
Buyers will pay more for everyday amenities – Buyers care more about practical conveniences—nearby grocery stores, parks, restaurants—than trend-driven features like coworking spaces or EV chargers.
Sense of community is important – 51% plan to shop in the suburbs, and nearly 75% would pay more for a neighborhood known for friendliness and engagement.
Safety and convenience remain non-negotiable – Safety is a priority for nearly 80% of buyers.
☀️ You’re all caught up. See you on Wednesday!
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