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.

Applications stumbled in early February; rate locks increased in January; consulting firm opposes ICE’s planned acquisition of Black Knight; FHA ditches paper filing; Black Knight adds eNote and eVault tech.

Two recent court cases demonstrate the value in completing a comprehensive title search prior to closing a refinance mortgage.

Rocket is known for refis. Demand for refis is limited due to rising interest rates. So Rocket is taking steps to boost originations of purchase mortgages.

GSEs revise loan-level pricing adjustments; FHFA cuts UMBS comingling fee; UWM gives brokers pricing flexibility; foreclosures more than double; loanDepot to use Black Knight’s loan origination system; Lower offers white-label mortgage platform; Blend continues right-sizing.

Rising interest rates took a bigger bite out of private MI activity than FHA business in the fourth quarter of 2022. On an annual basis, primary MI activity fell, based on agency MBS issuance, though issuance volume involving loans without MI was off by even more. (Includes two data charts.)

While interest rate hikes are deflating originations, lenders aren’t budging much on underwriting standards for purchase mortgages, based on an analysis of mortgages delivered to the GSEs in the third quarter. (Includes two data charts.)

Among purchase mortgages with primary mortgage insurance, GSE volume declined in the third quarter while FHA and VA volume increased. California also lost its spot as the top source of loans with MI. (Includes two data charts.)

Rate locks jump; home prices decline for second consecutive month; the remote work factor; website will connect borrowers with brokers; new loan origination system promises “fun.”