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.

When it comes to early buyouts, most of the action, to date, has centered on FHA product.

FHA revises URLA form; MI premium tax deduction extended; CFPB warns about HECM scams.

It’s no secret that early buyouts of delinquent FHA and VA loans are rising. Ginnie Mae, as might be expected, is keeping a close watch. (Includes data chart.)

High unemployment readings are fueling an increase in Ginnie forbearance. Trouble ahead?