Originations

Real estate crowdfunding company Sharestates launched a program Wednesday offering liquidity to private lenders and loan aggregators contending with margin calls as a result of market volatility related to the coronavirus outbreak.

Mortgage application activity increased from the prior week, driven by strong refinance volume after a 35-basis-point drop in conforming loan interest rates, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The 2020 countdown of the National Mortgage News Top Producers list continues by featuring the loan officers ranked 201 to 300.

The 2020 countdown of the National Mortgage News Top Producers list begins by featuring the loan officers ranked 301 to 400.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending March 27.

There was a nearly 30% week-to-week decline in loan applications as Americans reacted to the uncertainty, both economic and medical, from the spread of COVID-19, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Independent mortgage bankers had their most profitable fourth quarter in seven years for originations, but the fallout from the coronavirus could upset the economics of the industry in the short term.

Additional mortgage-backed securities purchases by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will address private investor skittishness about the asset class, but it will not necessarily lower rates.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending March 20.

Refinancing activity is surging, existing borrowers are inquiring about loan modifications, loan closings are being delayed by more complex credit checks — and banks are short on people to handle it all.