Origination

While all six companies were profitable in the third quarter, most had earnings which were down from the prior periods, with MGIC setting a milestone.

While the program is still going strong in spite of the shutdown, many misconceptions about its rules, even in normal times, are holding back use.

Mortgage credit availability increased 2.3% to 106.8 last month, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth.

All five publicly traded title insurance companies reported a year-over-year increase in earnings during the third quarter, but only two had higher orders.

The number of highly qualified refinance candidates rose to 1.7 million, the most in three and a half years, as mortgage rates ease.

The impacts of the federal government shutdown are hitting both originators and servicers, and as things drag out, the disruptions will increase.

The volume of home equity lines of credit expanded for the 14th consecutive quarter, driven largely by fintechs and other nonbanks that are accounting for more and more of the business.

Company leaders said current strategy sets it up to profit and compete against its rivals as the mortgage market improves in the coming months.

The average price of a single-family home increased 1.7% from last year to $426,800 in the third quarter.

New guidelines should provide homeownership opportunities for certain consumer segments with thin credit files and open up product options, lenders said.