Originations

Industry economists are now confident about predictions for mortgage rate movements through the end of next year; the question is if that translates to increased home sales.

Purchase applications last week fell to their lowest level since February, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported.

The company is emphasizing wider margins over volume, and leaning into its maturing renovation business.

Without considering the potential of building equity in a property, in 48 of 50 markets renting was better; appreciation flips that to 29 cities in favor of buying, First American said.

How challenges created by climate change and some regulations related to it can create new avenues for business according to Chief Credit Risk Officer of Planet Home Lending.

Independent mortgage bankers, for the first time in two years, turned a profit on a per loan basis for their production, the Mortgage Bankers Association found.

Capacity reductions seem to be in their endgame as clients are looking to focus on revenue growth and market share, Boston Consulting Group said in its second quarter 2024 wrap.

The FHA share of new-home loan applications also increased to a new record high, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Their second quarter pace trailed pandemic highs but still accounted for one of every six homes sold nationwide.

In addition to promoting Tom Hutchens to president, non-qualified TPO Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions also named a trio of new executive vice presidents.

While the total dollar volume of apartment originations fell last year, the number of companies making loans increased from 2022, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

While other indicators all reported the 30-year fixed rate mortgage was lower on a week-to-week basis, Freddie Mac's survey increased for the first time in three weeks

Confidence among U.S. home builders slipped for the fourth straight month to its lowest point of the year in August as high loan rates and home prices weigh on companies and buyers alike.

While the Department of Veterans Affairs does not have a credit score usage mandate, it has shown to be open to the use of advanced models.

Mortgage rates, already easing, should keep falling as inflationary pressure cools during the rest of the year, but a pair of wild cards could upset the prediction.

Nearly two-thirds of consumers in a July survey said they expect mortgage rates to decline soon, but most want to see them cross a very specific threshold before they act, Mphasis Digital Risk found.

The refinance market saw a 35% jump in activity, as borrowers continued responding to downward trending rates, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

The lender says the acquisition will boost its retail run rate to more than $240 million per month.

The increase in refinance volume in July took place before the mortgage rate collapse in early August that brought the share to over 25%, Optimal Blue data showed.

Risks include pushing debt-to-income ratios too high for qualifying and rising costs leading to defaults, all of which affect the secondary markets.