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3d render illustration - year 2017 turns to 2018
Many of the key issues and trends that shaped 2017 will play an even bigger role in the mortgage industry in 2018.

Lenders will continue to face pressure from housing inventory shortages and rising home prices and interest rates that have put a damper on volume. Servicers will continue to feel their own pains, as compliance costs continue to weigh heavily on their operations.

And as the President Trump enters his second year in office, industry observers will be paying close attention to how his administration pursues a variety of objectives, including deregulation, housing finance reform and the future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And the midterm Congressional elections coming up in November will add another wrinkle to consider next year.

From origination to servicing and everything in between, here's a look at what's in store for the mortgage industry in 2018.

See also: 10 top mortgage stories of 2017
2018 origination outlook

Origination: Lending outside qualified mortgage rule may help lenders replace lost refis

Lending outside the qualified mortgage rule will likely become more prominent in 2018, as originators continue to struggle to replace lost refinance volume and their compliance and risk management processes become more robust.
2018 secondary outlook

Secondary: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac tech helps lenders expand credit box

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have new technology-driven initiatives planned for 2018 that are expected to help lenders improve the borrowing experience for home buyers and make full use of the government-sponsored enterprises' credit box.
2018 Servicing Outlook

Servicing: Mortgage servicing landscape being reshaped by market consolidation

The largest residential mortgage servicers will get even larger in 2018, benefiting from consolidation and the outsourcing of servicing rights acquired by companies without their own platforms.
2018 tech outlook

Technology: Machine learning, automation will power digital mortgage advances

As digital mortgage technology helps consumers take a more hands-on approach to the mortgage process, lenders are stepping up their adoption of automation and machine learning through artificial intelligence capabilities.
2018 compliance and regulation outlook

Compliance & Regulation: Will Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac come out of conservatorship in 2018?

Shifting policy stances and a renewed focus on housing finance reform from the White House could make 2018 a breakout year for Congress to finally resolve the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

See also: 10 top mortgage stories of 2017
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