The top-line originations number held steady compared with the fourth quarter while movements in the mortgage market occurred beneath the surface. United Wholesale Mortgage regained its position as the largest lender in the first quarter.

Potential homebuyers are showing stronger demand for mortgages than they were a year ago, even though interest rates are higher now. Economists at Fannie Mae revised their projections for mortgage originations upward last week.

The current loss-mitigation waterfall has dramatically reduced foreclosure liquidations, suggesting lenders could make more loans to riskier borrowers without increasing expected losses.

As Fannie Mae’s CEO approaches the first anniversary of her tenure, she talks about climate change, affordable housing and the homeownership gap.

Lenders say any information sharing should respect the confidentiality of nonbanks and their customers.

Refinance volume was up across the board in first-quarter agency business, but the sharp spike in VA activity caught the most attention. (Includes three data tables.)

Critics argue the new second mortgage program is another attempt by Freddie Mac to expand its footprint. But GSE insiders say it’s already allowed under its charter.

United Wholesale Mortgage was the largest lender in 2023. Only 19 of the top 100 lenders increased their production during the year. (Includes data table.)

The malaise surrounding residential lending continued in the first quarter. The expectation is that nonbanks will continue to snatch market share from the big boys, but profitability will remain elusive.

Mortgage rates are higher than economists expected them to be because inflation and other data are coming in at unexpected levels. The missed projections aren’t surprising, according to Chase’s Jamie Dimon.