The conventional-conforming sector lagged in an otherwise upbeat mortgage market. (Includes two data files.)

The new third‑party origination channel, BrokerBrand TPO, is led by industry veteran Bob Marseilles.

Refi volume declined by 32.7% from the first quarter to the second but nearly doubled year to date. Meanwhile, purchase-mortgage originations increased by just 4.7% year to date. (Includes five data tables.)

UWM President and CEO Mat Ishbia sees the equity from Oaktree as a positive. Shareholders and industry analysts aren’t convinced.

New PMIERs tables assigning risk factors to loans based on credit scores and LTV ratios strongly resemble the GSEs’ LLPA tables.

The higher rates are diminishing demand for mortgages and officials at Rocket are projecting a drop in originations in the third quarter.

More homebuyers are being forced to bring more cash, renegotiate the sale price or restructure their mortgage.

The Trump administration continues to pressure homebuilders to address affordability by focusing more on first-time homebuyers.

Urban Institute researchers believe credit score gaming by lenders will raise scores for 44% of borrowers. Officials at FICO claim shopping appears to be occurring now that the GSEs accept VantageScore.

Pennymac laid off origination staff and is counting on technology to keep its lending capacity elevated. Leaders at Newrez and loanDepot are also touting their tech investments.