The unexpected passing of LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda is a major loss for the fintech and mortgage industries. As the founder and visionary behind one of the most recognized names in digital lending, Lebda’s impact cannot be overstated. This week’s housing news doesn’t stop there. While the Fed continues to hint at rate cuts, long-term Treasury yields are holding firm, keeping mortgage rates stubbornly high. And with the federal government now officially shut down, home closings in flood-prone markets like Florida are already facing delays. These stories offer important insights—and practical takeaways—for mortgage professionals, agents, and clients navigating today’s housing landscape.
LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda Dies in ATV Accident
Read the Full Story → Scotsman Guide
Doug Lebda, the founder and CEO of LendingTree, died in a tragic ATV accident on October 12, 2025, while on a family farm in North Carolina. He was 55. The news has sent a wave of grief through the financial services industry, where Lebda was known as a pioneer in consumer lending transparency and access.
The company acted quickly to stabilize leadership by appointing COO Scott Peyree as the new CEO and naming Steve Ozonian as chairman. While operations remain intact, investors responded with concern—LendingTree stock dropped over 4% following the announcement.
Lebda launched LendingTree in 1996 after a frustrating personal experience trying to shop for a mortgage. His vision transformed how consumers compare and apply for loans, credit, and insurance. His legacy lives on through the platform he built and the millions of consumers it continues to serve.
Yields Hold Firm Even as Fed Easing Looms
Read the Full Story → CNBC
A new Reuters poll of 75 bond strategists shows long-term Treasury yields—especially the 10-year note—are expected to stay elevated through the next 12 months, even as the Federal Reserve begins cutting short-term interest rates. That means mortgage rates may not fall as quickly as some hope.
The 10-year yield is projected to hover above 4%, with some analysts predicting it could rise slightly, despite easing from the Fed. Factors like persistent inflation, growing federal deficits, and increased term premium are all keeping a floor under long-term borrowing costs.
This dynamic may slow the impact of Fed policy on the housing market. While the central bank is trying to stimulate borrowing, the bond market isn’t fully on board—keeping mortgage rate relief modest and gradual at best.
Government Shutdown Already Impacting Florida Home Closings
Read the Full Story → Realtor.com
The federal government is shut down, and the effects on the housing market are already being felt—especially in flood-prone states like Florida. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has paused the issuance of new policies, forcing many closings to be delayed or canceled.
With NFIP offline, roughly 1,300 to 1,400 home transactions per day are at risk of falling through. This is particularly problematic in Florida, where many properties are in flood zones and cannot close without active flood coverage.
Beyond NFIP, other housing-related services are slowing down or on hold. IRS tax verification, USDA and FHA loan processing, and VA underwriting are among the areas hit by the shutdown—further complicating an already tight housing market.
Frank’s Thoughts
Doug Lebda was a pioneer who saw what mortgage lending could be before anyone else did. His death is tragic, but the company and the movement he built are bigger than one person. Still, it’s a wake-up call to always have solid partners and contingency plans.
Treasury yields aren’t falling like people hoped. That’s frustrating—but it also creates a moment for real pros to shine. We can’t change the market, but we can help clients navigate it smartly. That’s where trust is built.
And with the shutdown already here? If your files are tied to federal processes, treat it like an emergency checklist. Get creative, be proactive, and don’t let clients get blindsided.
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