Bureau of Labor Statistics

Hurricane Irma hit Central Florida’s home construction industry in more ways than one.

Nondepository mortgage bankers and brokers employment dipped slightly in July, ending a four-month run of hiring pickups.

The nonbank mortgage sector had its largest one-month employment gain in a year, as independent mortgage bankers and brokers enjoyed stronger-than-expected originations during the second quarter.

Employment among nonbank lenders and mortgage brokers grew in May, marking the third straight month of employment gains at a time when housing inventory is tight, refinancing has slowed and home prices are rising.

Employment in the mortgage sector increased for the second consecutive month in April as the spring home purchase season began.

Employment in the mortgage sector rose for the first time in three months in March, driven by an increase in loan broker hires.

Employment in the nondepository mortgage banker and broker sector fell for the second consecutive month in February, a possible sign of growing concern about shrinking demand for mortgages.