April issuance was the highest monthly total since June 2022, when the market was coming down from the euphoria of the COVID-19 rally.

Typically, when interest rates decline — as they did for much of the first quarter — the retention rate increases.

Locks for residential mortgages declined by 9% on a monthly basis in April, according to Optimal Blue.

The firm generated a $45.0 million profit, with a margin of 27.0% in the first quarter of 2026.

“The outlook for the months ahead remains fragile as volatile mortgage rates and economic uncertainty continue to be headwinds,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS, a multiple listing service covering the Mid-Atlantic region.

Some $1.35 billion of Pennymac’s securitized originations in the first three months of this year were loans eligible to be sold to the GSEs.

United Wholesale Mortgage has increased its bid for Two Harbors Investment after CrossCountry Mortgage matched its previous bid for the real estate investment trust.

Some real estate agents are pushing clients away from offers supported by some government-backed mortgage products, industry members say.

A recent survey found that 89% of voters want the House and Senate to work together to pass legislation that will make housing more affordable.

FTC warns Mortgage Connect about noncompetes; Rocket preps CES MBS; New legislation on mortgages for homes on tribal land passed; Share of first-time homebuyers increasing.