Post-purchase reviews show an uptick in loans with key defects, especially for self-employed borrowers.

With interest rates on the rise, refinance volume is expected to drop in 2022. Purchase-mortgage lending could hit a record level, but it won’t fully offset the loss in refis, putting pressure on margins.

With the refinancing boom waning, experts are suggesting lenders look at low- to moderate-income consumers for growth opportunities.

Institutional investors have several advantages compared to owner-occupant borrowers when it comes to purchasing homes that need substantive repairs.

Local concentration of mortgage lending may not raise interest rates, but it does increase fees and points, especially for low-income and minority borrowers.

Less than 30% of younger recent homebuyers report feeling that mortgage lenders are “trustworthy and reliable.” Millennials and Generation Z also are heavily reliant on the internet to fill gaps in financial education.

UWM accepted six mortgage payments with cryptocurrency before ending the pilot program; closing costs increased in the first half of 2021; Fannie strengthened underwriting standards for condos and co-ops.

Sales to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac saw larger concentrations of higher-risk mortgages, in both the purchase and refinance sectors. But high-FICO loans continue to account for most GSE business. (Includes two data charts.)

To help produce the record volume of mortgages originated in 2020, lenders embraced technology. Changes that could have taken five years to implement were completed in 18 months.

Incenter Appraisal Management launched a remote appraisal service, United Wholesale Mortgage is allowing brokers to bypass appraisal management companies and Fannie Mae is looking to reduce appraisal bias.