Officials at Rocket suggested that the combined companies could greatly reduce costs for homebuyers.

“The government’s being run by great people, they’re going to do great things going forward,” said Mat Ishbia, chairman and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage.

“I think that the bid for the whole loan itself and the ability to have a lot more control and cherry pick what you want on your balance sheet has been very strong,” an executive at a major life insurance company said.

The Federal Reserve remains on track to cut the federal funds rate only one time this year, according to Mike Fratantoni, an executive vice president and chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Originations of agency high-balance mortgages increased by 48.6% to $53.83 billion in 2024.

Guild generated only $800 million of net income from its origination segment in the fourth quarter.

The Mortgage Bankers Association is eager to see McKernan and Pulte confirmed.

A portfolio manager said if agency MBS investors aren’t kept in mind during the GSE reform process, the changes could hit investor demand for GSE MBS, having a negative impact on homebuyers.

Anthony Hsieh, chairman, founder and controlling shareholder of loanDepot, is returning to senior leadership as executive chairman of mortgage originations at the nonbank.

Only 12 banks reported a loss from their mortgage-banking operations in the fourth quarter.