Better.com’s dream of becoming a public company is on shaky ground these days. Events of the past week include a large layoff conducted over Zoom and the CEO apologizing after making disparaging remarks about those he cut.

Freddie Mac will implement a higher income threshold for its Refi Possible product for low-income borrowers beginning Jan. 31.

Most top lenders reported rising purchase-mortgage business and declining refinance activity in the third quarter. Private MIs lost a little ground in the first-time buyer market. (Includes five data charts.)

The unprecedented increase has FHFA leadership thinking about the relationship between the conforming loan limits and home price appreciation.

The mortgage production cycle is starting to turn, so that means a reduction in headcount. But based on third-quarter results from a handful of public shops, the trimming has been light thus far. (Includes data chart.)

Some non-agency lenders are sticking with the older QM standards due to concerns about liability tied to income and employment verification requirements under the newer, more lenient QM standards.

Industry consultant Paul Hindman said the LO’s success was, in part, driven by Guaranteed Rate’s unique business model.

A tougher origination year in 2022? Looks that way, but forecasts can change on a dime when unexpected news alters economic perceptions. Meanwhile, a fist full of nonbank stocks are selling for less than $5 a unit.

Wholesale-broker production was up in the third quarter largely because the biggest lender in the channel increased its funding volume. The retail channel saw a 5% drop. (Includes six data charts.)

Non-QMs offer the promise of strong margins and a product to replace refinance volume. They also account for a miniscule portion of mortgage originations.