Residential Fundings Soar 68% in 1Q But ...

Thanks to record low interest rates, residential lenders funded $466 billion in product during the first quarter, a 68% jump from the dismal fourth quarter, according to exclusive survey figures compiled by National Mortgage News. Refinancings and fixed-rate production dominated the business and many lenders are now reporting strong profits. Also, this newspaper found that among the mega-lenders, firms that still use loan brokers were out-producing their competitors. For instance, Wells Fargo & Co., and Bank of America, ranked first and second, respectively, in originations during the period, with gains of 50% and 133% compared to the 1Q 2008. Both still have a wholesale/broker presence. But the number three and four ranked funders — Chase and CitiMortgage — saw their volumes fall 28% and 40%, respectively. Chase has exited wholesale with Citi scaling way back. (For the full story and rankings see the Monday edition of NMN.)