Among the three origination channels, only broker production increased during the third quarter. The broker share of originations neared 20% again during the quarter. (Includes six data tables.)

Conforming loan limits for mortgages sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will rise by 3.3% in 2026, the smallest increase since 2017.

Several large lenders are offering discounts and promotions to drum up business during a slow time of the year.

While government-insured mortgages are assumable, few assumptions are completed due to various obstacles. GSE mortgages were also assumable until the 1980s, when legal issues prompted a change.

The Basel III re-proposal could include relief for mortgages; FICO to release historical data for 10T score.

Lending was down slightly across products in the third quarter. UWM remained the largest conventional-conforming producer and moved into the top spot among originators of government-insured loans. (Includes two data tables.)

Homebuilders prefer interest rate buydowns over pricing incentives, not only because they’re cheaper, but also because if they lower the price on one home, other buyers will expect the same.

Certain MSR buyers have been willing to pay lofty prices in recent years, hoping to recapture borrowers when interest rates decline. There are some questions about whether the moves will ultimately be profitable.

The lock-in effect is expected to thaw and boost originations, but first-time homebuyers still look to be priced out of the market next year.

Declining interest rates lifted refi lending in the third quarter but couldn’t help the seasonal slowdown in purchase-mortgage originations. Nine months into the year, refi business was up nearly 50% on an annual basis. (Includes five data tables.)