Better saw improvements in its pull-through rates in a pilot program in which the lender paid its LOs commissions. The lender found that its no-commission model didn’t work well for purchase mortgages.

A new research paper finds that mergers between real estate agencies and lenders can help boost origination market share but can also cost borrowers more in the long run.

The FDIC’s updated economic inclusion strategic plan includes a goal to increase mortgage lending by banks. The plan leans heavily on education and outreach, though CRA credit could also be an option.

The mortgage process met or exceeded the expectations of many homebuyers; interest rates look to be too high for potential homebuyers; the defect rate on mortgages declined again; tech vendor raises $19 million; Altisource Asset Management exits mortgage market.

Lenders look to remote online notarization; Ocrolus offers rep-and-warrant coverage for income calculations; ICE offers tool to facilitate reconsiderations of appraisals; Planet Home launches products to help borrowers compete with cash offers; property insurance costs rise nearly 20%; Flagstar plans tech accelerator program; disconnect on homebuyers’ plans and saving for a downpayment.

In recent months, when interest rates have declined even slightly, loan applications have jumped, indicating that potential borrowers are keeping a close eye on interest rates. There could also be some relief on affordability as the inventory of homes for sale increased in February.

Cyberattack will cost loanDepot at least $12 million; average borrower has nearly $300,000 in home equity; home prices overvalued across the country; MSR gain some value; new servicing platform from Sagent; MCT offers TBA pricing indicators; lender launches real estate platform.

Research shows that minority homebuyers are more likely to be approved for a loan if their loan officer is a Democrat.

Proceeds from the recent issuance have largely gone toward paying down the companies’ debt issuance from 2021 when they needed funds for their refi business.

Although almost all of the cost of funding a loan through MBS is passed through to consumers, borrowers only see about 40% of the “cost” of a specified pool pay-up.