Finance of America recently posted a huge 4Q21 loss and saw its president depart. Challenges remain, to say the least.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchased fewer mortgages for mission-based multifamily lending in 2021. And this year their housing goals are even higher.

Outstanding home-equity loans fell another 2.0% in 4Q21. Lenders cranked out $181.80 billion in new HELOC draws and closed-end seconds in 2021, including $48.50 billion in the fourth quarter, up a modest 4.1% sequentially but almost unchanged year-over-year. (Includes three data charts.)

Origination profitability has been on a slippery slope the past year, but there are possible signs of stability. Or is that wishful thinking? (Includes data chart.)

When originations sag, one solution is to add new products, nonprime or otherwise. At least that’s what UWM did this week. Will it work?

An increase in the share of minorities working as loan originators could boost approval rates for loan applications by minority borrowers, according to findings from two new studies.

Fix-and-flip shops are in vogue these days but pricey to buy. Still, Rice Park has big acquisition plans. Can it execute?

As the “easy” refis decline, lenders are turning to non-QMs, renovation loans, equity-extraction products and other less common offerings. There are also other moves lenders can make at the beginning of a down cycle, according to industry analysts.

The choice between FICO, VantageScore or using both has implications for both originators and the secondary market.

Most top lenders saw declines in both purchase and refinance lending from the third to the fourth quarter of 2021. Compared to 2020, the purchase share was up. (Includes five data charts.)