Lender trade groups argue that the expanded use of alternative valuations by the GSEs will improve the reliability of appraisals.

Conventional-conforming mortgages accounted for 54.3% of originations in the first quarter of 2026. Rocket Mortgage was the top producer of the loans in the quarter. (Includes two data tables.)

The interest rate outlook is looking better for MSR values than it is for mortgage originations. New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh faces headwinds on a rate cut this year, with some economists anticipating that the next move by the central bank will actually be a rate hike.

New offering lets homebuyers save up to $20,000 on a home purchase or sale when they use Rocket and a Redfin agent.

A lawsuit seeks to block a new CFPB rule loosening anti-discrimination regulations; FHA will continue to use the tri-merge credit pull process; bill passed by House would increase fees on VA home loans to pay for expanded benefits for veterans; delinquencies stay firm in April.

Early interest in the VantageScore 4.0 pilot has been strong, but participants note that the new score can be up to 100 points different from Classic FICO.

The refi share of originations hit 46.7% in the first quarter, thanks to low interest rates in January and February. Purchase-mortgage volume was up 3.7% compared to the first quarter of 2025. (Includes four data tables.)

Versions of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act have passed both the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support. However, differences persist.

Federal bank regulators are looking to reduce the capital requirements that apply to mortgage servicing rights and to mortgages held in portfolio. A March proposal is seen as making mortgage lending and servicing somewhat more attractive for banks.

FICO and VantageScore disagree on how lenders in a GSE pilot are using VantageScore. FICO’s CEO claims there are LTV ratio limitations and a haircut with VantageScore. VantageScore said that’s not the case.