The FHLBanks eked out a tiny profit in 2021, while net income at Fannie and Freddie soared.

Nonbanks still accounted for 66% of first-lien mortgage production by the top 100 lenders in the first quarter, but depository institutions in the group managed to up their share slightly. (Includes two data charts.)

It was a good news/bad news story for the second-lien market in the first quarter of 2022. Production increased nicely but outstandings fell. (Includes three data charts.)

Analysts agree that bringing management in-house is a long-term positive but differ on whether it improves value in the short run.

Demand for HELOCs is rising from borrowers who want to tap their home equity without letting go of their low-interest rate first mortgage.

Changes could be coming to the CFPB’s QM rule. Then again, maybe not. Meanwhile, second-quarter earnings season starts soon, giving us a look into originations and MSR marks at the megabanks.

It is tougher times for banks engaged in financing nonbank originators. Usage rates are down significantly and some customers are consolidating lines of credit. (Includes data chart.)

Rate locks for purchase mortgages declined from April to May. Numerous factors are depressing demand for the loans: higher interest rates, accelerating home prices and inflation.

Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac plan to base much of their equitable housing finance efforts on existing pilot programs.

Does mortgage fintech Better.com have a future not tied to a SPAC? A sale perhaps? Meanwhile, more lenders are pulling the reduction-in-force lever.