Rocket Mortgage is taking steps to boost its market share and production of purchase mortgages. That includes an effort to increase wholesale lending.

Home equity investments allow homeowners to receive cash in exchange for a share in home price appreciation. Activity in the sector has grown to the extent that there was a conference dedicated to HEIs last week.

Lower rates this winter could create a small boost in refi volume, but don’t expect a massive wave of refis like a few years ago.

Harris reiterates housing plan at debate; Trump vows to prohibit mortgages for undocumented residents; CFPB plans open banking rule for mortgages; Rocket to rebrand.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to reduce the federal funds rate on Sept. 18. The initial rate cut is already priced in to mortgage rates.

In the long run, mortgage brokers and real estate agents believe the NAR commission settlement will boost business.

Nonbanks are making money once again, which could pave the way for new nonbank IPOs. Also, some of the IPO class of 2020/2021 are trading above their out-of-the-gate prices.

MBA predicts three Fed rate cuts this year as nonbanks return to profitability for the first time in two years.

Although mortgage “franchise” deals have been few and far between this year, branch network sales have been a different story. One reason: Employees at those networks feel they might be better served under a more aggressive boss, especially with lower rates expected.

The nonbank misled borrowers into believing that its cash-out refinance loans were less expensive than their existing mortgages.