There’s plenty of home equity available to homeowners but interest rates are constraining originations of home equity loans. Banks remained the top three originators of home equity loans in the third quarter. (Includes three data tables.)

The share of borrowers using discount points has more than doubled since 2020. The use of discount points is more common among nonbanks.

On the surface, the yield looks expensive for the issuer but in a rising interest rate environment, maybe it’s not.

Home purchases are expected to increase next year as demand continues to be strong and rates fall slightly.

As nonbanks go, so goes the warehouse lending sector. Commitment levels are rising but higher interest rates could cause some turbulence in the months ahead. (Includes data table.)

The push toward automating processes and streamlining business practices helped spur fast closings during the recent refinance boom.

Legislation to limit trigger lead activity was removed from “must-pass” defense spending legislation. Still, mortgage industry participants are confident Congress will pass the trigger leads ban as soon as next year.

About 40 million households are making consistent monthly rent payments that are equal to or greater than the average monthly mortgage payment, according to one estimate.

Originations through the retail channel increased during the third quarter of 2024, but correspondent and broker production grew at a faster pace. The retail share of total first-lien originations declined to 50.8%. (Includes six data tables.)

The increase in the 10-year Treasury rate following the November election and changes in expectations for interest rates have prompted economists to revise down their projections for originations in 2025.