Originations

Title insurers did nearly $3.4 billion in premiums during the first quarter, similar to 2023, even though mortgage dollar origination volume was up over 13%.

The decline for the third consecutive week reflects investors' belief that the Federal Open Market Committee is likely to cut rates this year.

The company says consumer interest has been "fantastic", although it's not disclosing application figures nor how much money it's set aside to fund the offering.

Activity grew at a slower pace from seven days earlier, as refinance volume retreated, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The agency is giving funds to 23 providers in 15 states and the District of Columbia.

The partnership between personal finance platform Esusu and the National Rental Home Council has several of the trade group's members delivering payment data. They say that has helped result in over 85,000 originations across lending segments.

As mortgage originations have declined, those looking to cash in their chips and get out of the game are helping others grow market share, serving to change up the dynamics within the field.

A decline in interest rates during the first quarter drove a Freddie Mac indicator higher for the first time since mid-2023, while a leading investment firm announced a deal aimed at boosting originations for government-sponsored enterprise financing.

The term is open to interpretation and may refer to a broad range of real-estate finance activity. An "independent mortgage banker" has a narrower definition.

Proceeds could be used to support the company's loan originations as well pay down existing debt coming due in the next three years.

From updates in mortgage-related court cases, to developments in AI and policy, here are the most-read stories from National Mortgage News over the past week.

Borrowers still sought opportunities in the homebuilder market with activity trending upward for over a year, even as existing inventory showed signs of expanding.

Markets appeared to welcome signs of future rate relief, with the latest Freddie Mac average falling for the fifth time in six weeks.

But despite increasing anxiety over rising costs, an overall majority of consumers also express optimism about their own improving financial prospects in the upcoming year, according to Transunion.

Homeowners responded to moderating interest rates and brought in significantly more refinance volume, with Department of Veterans Affairs numbers more than doubling from the prior week.

Lenders need to look at both data and algorithms to avoid inadvertent redlining complaints, not just in decision making but customer contact too.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. sued 15 lenders on loans brokered through Washington Mutual that were included in securitizations before the bank's 2008 failure.

The instant buying platform has been hit hard by the market's slowdown and sold 847 homes in the first quarter, down 47% from the same time last year.

The department will continue to monitor developments from a recent court settlement as it considers future rulemaking.