The Department of Housing and Urban Development charged Rocket Mortgage with appraisal bias in connection with a denied refinance application. loanDepot settled a similar charge with the CFPB this year.

HUD charged Rocket Mortgage and other entities with appraisal bias.

Second-quarter Ginnie Mae securitization growth was strongest among purchase-loan originations. But refis picked up steam over 2023. (Includes four data tables.)

FHA’s share of the government-insured market declined to 60.8% in the first quarter of 2024, while VA production improved from the fourth quarter led by IRRRLs. (Includes three data tables.)

FHA first-lien, single-family home loan applications were turned down more often than VA home loan applications, according to an analysis of HMDA data. (Includes data table.)

Rocket and the loan originator denied all housing discrimination allegations but entered into the agreement with HUD to obtain closure.

Flexible nonbanks weathering the storm; layoffs continue at mortgage companies; tepid demand for mortgages on new homes; best execution analysis; Rocket preps AI offering; Equifax boosts mortgage-related revenue.

Combined FHA/VA forward mortgage volume declined by 17.7% in the fourth quarter. For the full year, volume was down 19.9%. (Includes three data tables.)

Although most top-10 GSE lenders increased deliveries to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in November, MBS issuance declined by 7.0% on a monthly basis.

Lenders have launched a variety of products to reduce downpayment costs for GSE-eligible borrowers.