Artificial intelligence and stronger due diligence efforts can help reduce growing instances of appraisal fraud, according to mortgage investors and appraisers.

The FHA/VA share of agency business with primary mortgage insurance increased during the second quarter for both purchase mortgages and refis. In the first half of 2026, purchase-mortgage volume with primary MI was up only 2.7% from the first half of 2025. (Includes two data tables.)

Home prices are down in some areas, but inflation is more than offsetting any relief for homebuyers.

The volume of loans with primary insurance coverage flowing into agency mortgage-backed securities declined during the first quarter of 2026. FHA refinances in agency MBS issuance were up 8.0%. (Includes two data tables.)

Denial rates declined slightly last year even as more applicants flocked to get a mortgage. (Includes data table.)

Real estate investor sentiment plummeted in the first quarter of 2026 to the lowest level in the 11-quarter history of the survey, according to a recent survey from RCN Capital.

A new study found that using real estate agent-referred lenders not only increases borrowing costs for homebuyers but also shifts the burden of those costs disproportionately to the most vulnerable households.

Loan officers can get a leg up against the competition by learning about available downpayment assistance programs.

Young generations are investing in risky endeavors, such as day trading, sports betting and prediction markets, to build wealth instead of through homeownership.

Self-employed borrowers are encouraged to watch what they write off if they plan to buy a home in the next two years.