Issuance of specified-pool MBS in the third quarter was up 21.5% at Freddie Mac. The biggest increase was in pools of loans on New York properties.

Jumbo originations increased by more than double digits from the third to the fourth quarter of 2024. On an annual basis, the jumbo share of total originations held steady. (Includes data table.)

Fannie/Freddie MBS pools with maximum credit scores of 700 or less were the most sought-after “story” in 2024, with issuance jumping 64% from the previous year. (Includes data table.)

But Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pursued different strategies in their retained mortgage portfolios. (Includes data table.)

For the first time in 33 years, Freddie out bought its crosstown rival...

High debt-to-income ratio remained the largest denial reason for purchase-mortgage applications in 2023, while credit history issues moved into the top spot for denials of refinances.

Most REITs reported declines in the fair value of their agency MBS during the first quarter of 2024. Non-agency MBS holdings were up, as were net TBA positions. (Includes two data tables.)

FHA’s share of the government-insured market declined to 60.8% in the first quarter of 2024, while VA production improved from the fourth quarter led by IRRRLs. (Includes three data tables.)

FHA first-lien, single-family home loan applications were turned down more often than VA home loan applications, according to an analysis of HMDA data. (Includes data table.)

Despite slight declines in portfolios among the top jumbo servicers, servicing volume for the jumbo market stayed relatively flat from the fourth to the first quarter. (Includes data table.)