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.)
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.