Pennymac and Rocket are focused on developing scale and technology to drive down costs as originations are expected to remain muted due to the higher-for-longer interest rate environment.

Retail originations increased by 10.5% on a quarterly basis in the second quarter of 2026. That pushed the channel’s share of total first-lien originations to 53.7%. (Includes six data tables.)

VantageScore 4.0 is now available to all Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac sellers. And FHFA Director Bill Pulte is pondering ending the tri-merge standard.

Rocket is offering a permanent 60-bp pricing incentive for agency loans and a broker referral bonus, while UWM extended a 90-bp pricing incentive and removed LLPAs on conforming jumbos.

The lender removed the percentage split between loan officers and NEXA as well as some of the costs tied to other comp structures.

Housing affordability concerns are being blown out of proportion, according to Stanley Middleman, CEO of Freedom Mortgage.

Redfin found that 71.6% of ARM borrowers can refinance into a 30-year fixed rate that is at least 50 bps lower than their original rate.

The think tank believes a smaller federal footprint in the mortgage market is the best way to lower prices and encourage homeownership.

The conventional-conforming sector lagged in an otherwise upbeat mortgage market. (Includes two data files.)

The new third‑party origination channel, BrokerBrand TPO, is led by industry veteran Bob Marseilles.