Origination

Economic recovery should soar into the summer as vaccination rates climb and restrictions loosen up, but low inventory is likely to limit mortgage activity into the next year, according to Fannie Mae.

Mortgage lenders have much riding on a yearslong effort to overhaul a program that requires homeowners to hold policies in flood-prone areas. A congressional panel meeting to discuss the issue was once again split between lawmakers from storm-threatened states and those concerned about government costs.

U.S. housing starts fell by more than forecast in April, suggesting that supply-chain constraints and rising materials costs continue to hold builders back.

With little transitional disruption, the bigger players on the non-agency side could gain a hefty share of non-owner-occupied mortgage volume as a result of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s caps on such purchases, a KBRA analysis finds.

Mortgage activity fell across the board despite analysis that 14.5 million current qualified borrowers would benefit from a refinance, according to Black Knight.

Companies in the government mortgage market that serves low income, entry-level buyers are facing higher forbearance rates and more financial strain than others, making homeownership increasingly unattainable as credit remains tight.

Homebuyer competition reached new heights right as the purchase market hits its busiest time of year, according to Redfin.

Patience and vigilance are virtues when using certain social media for marketing, writes the CEO of Paragon Digital Marketing Group.

The newly public company expects a 20% overall loss in adjusted earnings this year.

Inflation concerns may reverse the trend that has seen the 30-year rate decline six out of the last seven weeks.