(RECAP: Much hand wringing has occurred over the fact that millennials are putting off what used to be one of the main achievements of adult life: buying a home. This ownership-interruptus has been attributed to everything from quick-rising home prices to towering student loan debt to the ultra strict credit requirements to score a mortgage. But it might have a lot to do with their dread of commitment as well. About 20% of those between the ages of 18 and 34 are likely to be worried of the long-term obligation (30 years, for the full term of a typical mortgage) that buying a home with a partner represents, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. But commitment wasn’t the only thing survey respondents were frightened about. About 71% of participants of all ages expressed other concerns ranging from the home needing repairs, their not having enough money left over for other expenses, and the sheer magnitude of the financial commitment of becoming a homeowner.)

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(RECAP: House Republicans are urging the regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to remove a question about the borrower’s language preference in the standard loan form used to apply for Fannie and Freddie-backed loans. In a letter to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mel Watt, 54 members of the House urged the regulator to remove the question, pending a comprehensive review by Congress and the federal agencies on how to best deal with mortgage applicants with limited English. FHFA recently updated the Uniform Residential Loan Application form, and made a late addition to insert the question. Several mortgage trade groups have objected, saying the question could raise compliance issues and potentially the costs to originate mortgages when the applicant selects another language.)

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(RECAP: As home prices and rents continue to rise, confidence in the housing market is starting to wane. It is showing up in weaker traffic at open houses and less interest in taking on a mortgage as some worry about their student debt loads. The numbers are dropping, and a new survey from the National Association of Realtors only adds fodder to the current market’s failings. While three-quarters of Americans surveyed in the second quarter of this year still reckon now is a excellent time to buy a home, the numbers are slipping, especially among renters. Just 62 percent of renters said now is the time to go to homeownership, down from 68 percent at the end of last year. Those under the age of 35 were the least confident. Millennials today have the lowest homeownership rate of their age group in recorded history.)

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