Hearing scheduled for May 16 to analyze massive layoffs at CFPB; Fannie economists slightly lower forecast for mortgage rates; Horizon Bank sells warehouse unit for a profit.

Residential lending increased by 10.9% compared with the first quarter of 2024. Interest rates on mortgages jumped this month, hampering production early in the second quarter. (Includes two data tables.)

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has sued United Wholesale Mortgage for allegedly colluding with brokers to push borrowers into higher-priced mortgages. UWM denied the allegations, noting that it’s not illegal for a broker to send most or all of its business to one lender.

The FHFA director believes mortgage fraud is rampant at Fannie and Freddie. That includes allegations that New York Attorney General Letitia James, a nemesis of President Trump, fraudulently obtained GSE-backed loans. James denies the allegations.

The parent company of Better Mortgage reached an agreement with SoftBank to restructure debt, prompting a jump in Better’s stock price. However, Better’s cash reserves are dwindling.

New bills in Congress aimed at the housing market have some bipartisan support; Trump fires Democrats on NCUA board; Trump administration looks to boost mortgage activity at smaller banks.

The stock market is volatile and interest rates are rising. Dozens of mortgage company owners are pondering their options.

Nonbanks accounted for 65.2% of the residential mortgages originated in 2024. All of the top five lenders were nonbanks and they all gained market share. (Includes two data tables.)

Nonbanks are offering discounts ahead of a spring homebuying season filled with uncertainty.

Origination giant Rocket is purchasing servicing behemoth Mr. Cooper at a premium. The biggest risk for Rocket is that mortgage rates might finally decline markedly in the coming quarters. Or is that an advantage?