Originations

Both purchases and refinances contributed to the weekly surge, with growth in government-backed volumes outpacing the overall market, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Industry consolidation has resulted in fewer conventional and government loan programs being offered to consumers.

While several communities offer monetary incentives to attract new residents, some are making overtures with down payment and other types of assistance aimed at building up their local housing markets.

Gravy Technologies offers a consumer-facing app, along with a white-label service for mortgage lenders aimed at accelerating their marketing efforts.

December's shift in Federal Reserve policy gave a notable boost to the share of consumer respondents who think the affordability of home financing will improve.

Over one-quarter of consumers said they are open to making misstatements to get a house, while 60% gave an answer besides absolutely not when asked if they would follow advice to put in misleading information.

Those who establish a history of paying for housing may be able to buy and live in property with rental income, but there are risks to the emerging strategy.

The service offered by Halcyon is aimed at diversifying lender revenue and strengthening relationships with borrowers.

The number, juxtaposed with a recent survey that suggests companies will hire, raises questions as to whether numbers have bottomed out. Much depends on rates.

Low refinance volume creates a "relative disadvantage" for Rocket, which historically had a much larger share of that market versus purchase, a note by Bose George, analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, said.