Smaller lenders appeared to punch over their weight as companies ranking below the top five generally posted bigger gains in first-lien originations in the second quarter. (Includes two data charts.)

The heads of mortgage industry trade groups are frustrated that the federal government is crowding out non-agency market participants.

The new proposed capital requirements could reduce LMI lending by large banks and make warehouse financing expensive for nonbanks.

Buydowns have fallen out of favor among borrowers this year as interest rates have continued to rise.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments next week in a case that could decide the fate of the CFPB; CFPB tracking lending trends from 2022 HMDA data; FHFA looks to expand activity involving mortgages with shared-equity features.

Trade groups representing large banks and mortgage lenders warn that a July proposal to increase capital requirements for large banks could push depositories further from the mortgage market.

FHFA has delayed a switch to a bi-merge credit score process at the GSEs. Industry participants are still waiting for data that is needed to help with the transition to new scoring models.

When the Federal Reserve begins cutting rates next year, the mortgage industry will become “fat” again. At least that’s what some believe. The immediate challenge: surviving until then.

Tighter margins and a seasonal slowdown in home buying are prompting lenders to consider an exit in the coming months.

The pace of house-price appreciation has slowed markedly over the past year, though there are still some hot pockets. And the FHFA's HPA index is pointing to another significant increase in the conforming loan limit for 2024. (Includes three data charts.)