Mortgage Bankers Association

The government-sponsored enterprises are suspending eviction lockouts for the holiday season.

The number of workers employed by non-depository mortgage companies experienced a typical seasonal drop month-to-month, but employment remained higher than a year ago due to the persistence of competitive hiring practices.

Mortgage credit available to consumers increased in November by 1.1% from the previous month as lenders offered more conventional products with expanded underwriting criteria, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

Mortgage applications rose for the second straight week as key interest rates fell back toward 5%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Consolidation is coming in the mortgage industry, but a protracted timetable will continue to constrict industry profits.

The performance of loans included in commercial mortgage-backed securities improved for the fifth consecutive quarter, with delinquencies down 179 basis points over the time frame, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Third-quarter profitability fell to 2008 levels in the Mortgage Bankers Association's latest report, suggesting the seasonally slower fourth quarter could be particularly challenging this year.

The rush in holiday shopping also boosted the housing market as mortgage applications increased 5.5% from one week earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The proposal by Fannie and Freddie’s regulator to impose bank-like capital requirements would be relevant only if the companies leave conservatorship. But that hasn’t stopped lenders from requesting changes.

Mortgage application activity decreased 0.1% from one week earlier as refinance volume tanked, although interest rates fell, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.