Banks that extend warehouse lines of credit to nonbank originators saw their commitment levels fall 39 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period a year earlier, yet another sign that the origination market was extremely weak during the first three months of 2014. On a sequential basis, commitments dropped a more benign 10.8 percent, but it’s not unusual for some firms to keep a line open, even if they’re not utilizing their power to borrow. According to Inside Mortgage Finance estimates, banks and nonbanks had $27.0 billion in warehouse commitments on their books as of March 31, compared to $31.0 billion on December 31, and $45.0 billion a year ago. One active warehouse bank had...[Includes one data chart]
Construction-to-permanent loans are picking up a head of steam in certain markets. “Down here [in Florida] it’s extremely hot,” said Joe Adamaitis, vice president and residential lending manager for Insignia Bank.
An East Coast-based warehouse executive, requesting anonymity, said he has approached his credit board about such a change, and his waiting to hear back from them.
Only about 27.7 percent of Ginnie Mae first-quarter volume were refinance loans, and the refi share of the overall market fell to an estimated 44.3 percent, Inside Mortgage Finance found.
Lack of Congressional funding, however, has put a damper on the initiative. And lenders generally oppose proposals where they would be charged a subsidy fee.
Despite the not-so-good news on applications, one warehouse lender suggested to IMFnews that larger lenders are suffering much more than smaller firms.
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