The origination boom has afforded mortgage bankers record volumes and profits but it has also created an unforeseen headache: underwriters asking for salaries of $150,00 or more. Plus signing bonuses.

Several top lenders reported declines in purchase-mortgage lending and increased refi activity in the second quarter. Agency MBS data suggest a modest recovery in July and August. (Includes four data charts.)

Veterans United’s data show refinances among millennial veterans grew by 603% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2020.

The number of loans in the most severe stages of delinquency continued to climb in August, but overall default rates and forbearance counts were down.

The purchase-mortgage share of loans sold to Fannie, Freddie and Ginnie gained slightly in August, and there was some rebound in correspondent activity.

When it comes to warehouse lending, conditions have never been better. Credit the pandemic and the Federal Reserve. (Includes data chart.)

Is Bill Foley, the 75-year-old non-executive chairman of title insurance giant Fidelity National, pondering retirement? Don't bet on it. He's shaking the mortgage vendor M&A tree big time.

Mortgage delinquencies shot up during the second quarter, though there were variations among servicers and loan types. (Includes data chart.)

Although the share of loans four or more payments past due continued to climb in July, total delinquencies and early-stage default rates were lower. (Includes data chart.)