Both the correspondent and broker channels have gained share from the retail channel. The first quarter of 2025 marked the third straight quarter in which retail accounted for less than 50% of total first-lien originations. (Includes six data tables.)

Non-agency jumbos accounted for 13.8% of total first-lien originations in the first quarter of 2025, compared with an 11.1% share in the first quarter of 2024. Chase remained the top jumbo producer and Redwood Trust is gaining momentum. (Includes data table.)

This year is expected to be the biggest year yet for non-QM lending and securitizations, according to industry participants.

Originations of nonconforming mortgages increased by 45.7% on an annual basis in the first quarter of 2025. Government-insured lending was up 13.5% and conventional-conforming activity treaded water. (Includes two data tables.)

Interest rates on mortgages are elevated, suppressing demand. Short periods of declines in interest rates have prompted surges in loan applications. The question remains: When will interest rates do down?

Ongoing affordability issues and volatility in the financial markets combined to suppress purchase-mortgage lending in the first quarter. Meanwhile, refi volume was up nearly 50% from a year ago. (Includes four data tables.)

Correspondent sales of jumbo mortgages originated in 2024 increased by more than 60% on an annual basis. The largest sellers were almost all nonbanks, though Chase cracked the top 5 with its deliveries into non-agency MBS. (Includes data table.)

Federal agencies have used the higher-priced mortgage designation as a proxy for subprime lending. Strategies vary among the biggest originators of higher-priced mortgages, including focusing on loans for manufactured homes or expanded-credit mortgages. (Includes two data tables.)

United Wholesale Mortgage plans to continue to grow organically, making investments in technology. The nonbank took a large loss in the first quarter as values of mortgage servicing rights declined.

Amerant Bank launched national mortgage operations in 2021. Now, the bank is reducing its footprint, focusing on lending in Florida where its bank branches are located.