The refi share of Ginnie issuance increased to 43.9% in the first quarter of 2026, the highest since the second quarter of 2021.

Mortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni said that amid deteriorating immigration and fertility rates, and a flood of new construction in single- and multifamily sectors, it’s become harder to back up claims of a major housing shortage.

Craig Trainor, assistant secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at HUD, warned fair housing advocates that if they aren't compliant with the law, he would bring an "investigative storm" against them.

“Purchase activity remained subdued as potential homebuyers remained hesitant given the current economic uncertainty,” said Joel Kan, a vice president and deputy chief economist at the MBA.

BofA's originations of first mortgages increased by 42.7% on an annual basis in the first quarter of 2026.

Agency MBS issuance declined on a quarterly basis in the first quarter of 2026 while non-agency MBS issuance hit the highest level since the financial meltdown of 2007.

Both JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo increased their mortgage originations by more than 40% on an annual basis in the first quarter of 2026.

To limit home price appreciation, the administration is working to sharply increase the supply of homes for sale, particularly newly built homes.

“Lower consumer confidence and softer job growth continue to hold back buyers,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist at NAR.

Locks for conforming mortgages lost market share to FHA loans and nonconforming mortgages in March, according to Optimal Blue.