Origination

The April and May announcements from the U.S. government, down payment assistance firms and lenders on easing the homeownership affordability crunch.

Roam Boost eases the path for FHA and VA mortgages held by sellers to be assumed by the buyer.

Millennials are likely to drive purchase business, while Gen X is the most likely refinance candidates, a related Freddie Mac analysis said.

Federal Housing Administration-backed lending was the only mortgage type to grow in volume at the end of last year, but the pace of decline among originations overall also slowed.

The assistance is available for borrowers with sub-620 FICO scores with earnings less than 80% of the Area Median Income, or first-time home buyers with no restrictions.

Late payments on VA loans were up markedly within the first quarter, in contrast to other products, according to new Mortgage Bankers Association data.

Housing starts increased 5.7% to a 1.36 million annualized rate after downward revisions to prior months, according to government data released Thursday.

For the second consecutive week, rates for the 30-year fixed rate mortgage declined as the Consumer Price Index report was better than expected.

Industry organizations indicated they want to be ready to analyze an advanced credit metric in early 3Q in line with FHFA plans, but they see some roadblocks.

The lender will advertise Mortgage Matchup, which features brokers, with prominent television and on-court advertisements during games.