The meteoric rise in interest rates has subsided somewhat, giving originators a respite. For three weeks in a row, new applications have increased. But can the winning streak last? M&A on the rise?

The Fed hiked short-term rates 75 basis points Wednesday, adding to uncertainty about originations. One thing is for certain: The refi game is over.

Overall, banks saw a 24% decline in mortgage banking income in the first quarter of 2022. Many banks bucked the trend with large increases in income compared with the previous quarter. (Includes data chart.)

One economist is blaming the increasing tendency among older homeowners to stay in their homes for longer as one of the key reasons for the housing inventory crunch.

The social equity program offers downpayment assistance to residents and descendants of those who lived in Denver between 1938 and 2000.

Mortgage market starting to return to normal (whatever that means.)

The rapid increase in interest rates seen in the first quarter took a big bite out of income from production and helped to goose servicing earnings. And while a downturn in originations was expected this year, it could be worse than expected.

Word is spreading that CrossCountry Mortgage of Brecksville, OH, is in the hunt to buy other lenders. As for who, that’s a different matter.

Requiring homebuyers and sellers to each pay their own agent’s fee would dramatically increase the upfront cash needed to buy a home.

Usage of Freddie Mac’s Loan Prospector is largely confined to mortgages that will be delivered to the GSEs while usage of Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter is more widespread in the mortgage market.