Most industry watchers expect the FHA to lower insurance premiums some-time during Biden’s presidency. It’s just a matter of when.

FHA/VA lending through correspondents rose 6.0% in 2020, but other channels saw more robust increases from the previous year, according to an Inside FHA/VA Lending analysis. (Includes data chart.)

Reverse mortgage production declined 8.1% in the fourth quarter. However, endorsements spiked 54.5% year over year. (Includes two data charts.)

Mortgage trade groups called on the FHA to align its policy language with other federal regulations that govern private flood coverage.

VA refinance activity was the key driver in the government-insured market last year, as production rose 168% from 2019. Freedom rode the refi train to become the top FHA/VA lender in the market.

Who might get the FHA and Ginnie jobs in the Biden administration? Right now, there aren’t many clues.

Michigan-based lender Home Point is joining the stampede into public ownership.

Volume was up more in correspondent and wholesale-broker platforms, but retail continued to account for just over half of government-insured lending in the third quarter.

United Wholesale Mortgage, a top-ranked government lender, will become public sometime next month. At least, that’s what the firm is planning. Meanwhile, the nonbank is being sued by a small group of loan brokers over commissions.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage production increased 19.6% in the third quarter and a whopping 56.9% through the first nine months of 2020.