Refi originations push warehouse lending commitments up during the third quarter. On an annual basis, commitments were up 11.1%, with a handful of warehouse lenders putting a strong emphasis on the business. (Includes data table.)

The MBA advanced a proposal to limit the tri-merge requirements on GSE mortgages to applicants with credit scores below 700, in an effort to reduce the cost of originating loans. Some argue that the real problem is pulling scores for borrowers who are never going to qualify for a mortgage.

Rep. French Hill, R-AR, prompted the House to draft its own housing legislation rather than approving a Senate package.

UWM is set to buy Two Harbors Investment in a $1.3 billion all-stock transaction; mortgage broker employment increases in October.

Long-time industry analyst Chris Whalen said the GSE plans to disqualify some types of capital from use to calculate net worth.

The Senate-approved ROAD to Housing Act was dropped from a 2026 defense bill. However, House Republicans indicated that they’re working toward legislation to address housing affordability.

Banks have deprioritized refinance recapture due to changes in capital requirements and an emphasis on high-net worth borrowers.

Housing affordability has improved due to slowing home price appreciation and growing inventory but it is still lagging historical levels.

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.