Participants in the non-agency market note that the loans are more difficult to underwrite than typical agency mortgages. But given that agency refi business is falling, there’s still plenty of business to be had in the non-agency space.
Non-agency originations of higher-priced mortgages increased by nearly 60% on an annual basis in 2021. The top lenders include a mix of expanded-credit producers and lenders that focus on manufactured homes. (Includes two data charts.)
Homeowners have plenty of equity and nonbank lenders are looking to replace refinance business, leading some large nonbanks to start offering HELOCs. One complication: what to do with the assets.