The flow of refis into agency MBS nearly halved during the third quarter. Purchase-mortgage volume was up 12.5% on a sequential basis; but over the first nine months, it was up only 1.3% year over year. (Includes two data tables.)

Industry participants are split on the pros and cons of allowing lenders to pull scores from just two credit reporting agencies.

Large lenders are flocking to deploy VantageScore 4.0, but others are being more cautious due to shifting GSE guidelines. There’s also uncertainty for investors in MBS and MSRs.

Lenders are offering rate discounts, rate buydowns and lower costs for insurance to help buyers find affordable housing options.

Some industry attorneys are skeptical whether mortgages can be fully AI originated, while still meeting compliance obligations.

The sharp decline in home price appreciation makes it possible that lenders’ early-bird loan limits for 2027 will come in above the 2026 conforming loan limits.

The company plans to put a greater focus on wholesale originations and home equity lines of credit.

A study by the Mortgage Bankers Association found that lenders aren’t adopting AI as quickly as other financial services companies.

Home equity lending is being fueled by accumulation of equity and elevated interest rates, which have diminished demand for refis. (Includes three data tables.)

Critics argue that applying the same LLPA pricing grids to VS4 and Classic FICO will camouflage, but not eliminate, the added credit risk associated with the typically higher VS4 score.