Rocket, UWM offer low-downpayment products; CFPB finds sharp differences in loan pricing; servicing profits improve; timing for recession unclear; quantifying the refi boom; Freddie improves paystub analysis; Blend offers soft credit pulls; MISMO seeks comments on closing standards; Maxwell acquires capital markets provider; fractional homeownership.

There were roughly half a million fewer new listings in the first four months of this year than in the first four months of 2019, a year before the pandemic.

Denial rates on applications for purchase mortgages in the conventional-conforming market held steady in 2022, while refi rejections jumped as interest rates increased during the year, according to HMDA data. (Includes data chart.)

Interplay between debt ceiling and mortgage interest rates; mortgage employment declines; rate locks down; Rithm considers spin-off; Planet Financial looking for lenders; new LO recruiting software; Blend’s market share grows; Black Knight’s margins; new appraisal marketplace; MISMO requests for comment.

About 48% of potential first-time buyers are saving up to buy a new home and get out of the monthly rental cycle.

Private mortgage insurers gained market share in the agency purchase market during the first quarter, even as securitization of insured mortgages declined. (Includes two data charts.)

Loans sales by banks and thrifts outpaced originations of mortgages marked for sale for the third consecutive year in 2022. The sales boom looks to be coming to an end as loans held for sale dwindle. (Includes two data charts.)

GSEs set to adopt new credit scores in late 2025; Rocket’s credit card; new president at MISMO.

FHFA economists suggest originators may have better pricing technology than Fannie and Freddie.

Fannie Mae has announced alternative ways to determine a property valuation when a full appraisal isn’t necessary.