A decline in interest rates near the end of 2023 drove up refi volume. Meanwhile, purchase-mortgage lending declined slightly on a sequential basis as seasonal factors limited demand. (Includes four data tables.)

A consumer advisory board meeting convened this week by the CFPB included an emphasis on issues in the mortgage market.

Activity in the refinance sector lead to a slight push in originations for home loans with primary MI.

New York Community Bank’s new leadership has plans to return to profitability. It’s not clear how residential mortgages fit into those plans.

A new survey shows that higher interest rates may not be the only thing stopping homeowners from moving.

Freedom Mortgage more than doubled its production from the fourth quarter to the first. Mike Patterson, COO of the nonbank, said the growth was driven by attractive loan characteristics.

At the end of March, the REIT valued its MSRs at 165 bps, the highest “mark” since the first quarter of last year...

The top-line originations number held steady compared with the fourth quarter while movements in the mortgage market occurred beneath the surface. United Wholesale Mortgage regained its position as the largest lender in the first quarter.

Potential homebuyers are showing stronger demand for mortgages than they were a year ago, even though interest rates are higher now. Economists at Fannie Mae revised their projections for mortgage originations upward last week.

United Wholesale Mortgage was the largest lender in 2023. Only 19 of the top 100 lenders increased their production during the year. (Includes data table.)