The improvement in mortgage performance seen in early 2026 was weaker than in the first quarter of the prior two years. Much of the difference was due to an increase in loans 120+ days delinquent, with particular issues involving FHA mortgages. (Includes two data tables.)

Industry watchers believe the abruptly cancelled FHFA/HUD press conference was tied to implementation of VantageScore 4.0.

Ginnie Mae MBS issuance declined 10.7% in the first quarter of 2026 due to a seasonal slowdown in purchase lending. Refinance activity held steady, helped by FHA business. (Includes four data tables.)

FHA Commissioner Frank Cassidy has taken a leave of absence for the foreseeable future.

The addition of the trial payment plan in FHA’s loss-mitigation waterfall appeared to have accounted for most of the recent jump in FHA severe delinquencies, according to research published by CRL.

Deliveries of purchase mortgages to agency MBS were essentially level in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the first quarter of 2025. Refi business remained elevated. (Includes two data tables.)

Executive orders from President Trump aiming to address housing supply and affordability include many FHA and VA provisions.

Some homebuyers are finding relief by assuming FHA mortgages that were originated during the pandemic.

FHA issued a waiver last week allowing borrowers to make early payments under a trial payment plan.

Non-agency jumbo mortgages accounted for 15.4% of total single-family originations in 2025, compared with a 12.7% share in 2024. Meanwhile, agency high-balance activity declined somewhat. (Includes three data tables.)