The largest lenders gained a little more market share during the first half of the year. (Includes two data tables.)

Economists at Fannie Mae and the MBA differ on how low interest rates on mortgages will go next year. Fannie is also more optimistic about the outlook for unemployment.

After agreeing to unload its production unit to Union Home Mortgage, Sierra Pacific Mortgage is separately set to sell MSRs.

The non-agency jumbo share of total originations hit 15.8% in the second quarter. That’s the highest level since late 2022. Meanwhile, agency high-balance business was level compared with the first half of 2024. (Includes three data tables.)

The Fed cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points this week and further cuts are expected. Even if interest rates on mortgages don’t come down much more, demand for loans is expected to increase.

The Trump administration is ramping up discussions regarding reforms to the government-sponsored enterprises but it’s still not clear what the result will be. Whether Congress will take action is also an open question.

Mortgage lenders and their partners are working to figure out how to implement both Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0 credit scores.

Regulatory challenges and rising origination costs are prompting community banks and credit unions to partner with nonbanks for mortgage lending.

loanDepot’s common now trades for almost $5.00 a share after being close to $1.00 for much of the year. Theories for the shift include factors specific to the company or signs that the industry is turning the corner.

The retail share of first-lien originations bounced back above 50% in the second quarter. Still, in the first half of the year, third-party originations increased at a faster pace on an annual basis than retail lending. (Includes six data tables.)