VantageScore expanded the borrower base; mortgage interest rates increased for seventh consecutive week; Blend tech offering for nonbanks; MISMO updates.

Most of the increase in bulk MSR transfers in the third quarter came from Mr. Cooper’s acquisition of Home Point Financial’s portfolio. But coissuance activity increased more than total agency MBS issuance. (Includes three data charts.)

The mortgage industry and housing policymakers have more work to do in developing home loan products targeted to helping close the racial homeownership gap, speakers at an Urban Institute conference said.

Maintaining internal policies and documenting employees’ work practices are vital to effectively managing the return-to-office transition, according to industry participants.

Delinquencies on securitized mortgages increased in all parts of the agency market during the third quarter. The increase was concentrated in early-stage delinquencies. (Includes data chart.)

While significantly fewer lenders have deployed AI technologies over the past five years, the share of lenders who are using the tech in a limited or trial basis has increased, a Fannie survey showed.

Increased screening during underwriting helped mortgage fraud risk decline 3.1% compared to last year, according to CoreLogic.

Better went from more than 10,000 employees in 2021 to fewer than 900 as of Sept. 1; lenders start early on 2024 loan limits; mortgage lock-in easing; MISMO initiatives; tool to check for appraisal bias; automated title reviews; insurance platform raises funds.

Banks and thrifts increased their holdings of mortgages they intend to sell by nearly 10% during the second quarter. Both originations and loan sales increased during the quarter. (Includes two data charts.)

ICE says its merger with Black Knight will lead to solutions that simplify the mortgage experience for investors, lenders and borrowers.