The future looks somewhat positive for loan brokers, but not so for mortgage bankers. Not surprising given production trends, but a Fed rate cut in the fall could change the hiring equation.

Banks reduced their non-agency jumbo lending in the early months of 2024, with nonbanks picking up some of the slack. Deliveries of high-balance mortgages into agency MBS also declined in the first quarter. (Includes three data tables.)

Delinquency rates declined during the first three months of 2024, according to the Inside Mortgage Finance Large Servicer Delinquency Index. (Includes data tables.)

What’s a mortgage CEO worth in a dicey origination market? According to an early read of proxy filings, some chief executives received nice pay packages last year, while others saw reductions.

Refinance volume was up across the board in first-quarter agency business, but the sharp spike in VA activity caught the most attention. (Includes three data tables.)

United Wholesale Mortgage was the largest lender in 2023. Only 19 of the top 100 lenders increased their production during the year. (Includes data table.)

Employee count increased at United Wholesale Mortgage in 2023, while at Rocket Companies it was down 20.5% on an annual basis. (Includes data table.)

Wholesale-broker platforms took a significantly bigger share of the shrinking refinance market in 2023 as consumer-direct/retail volume lost ground. (Includes six data tables.)

According to an early read, banks suffered double-digit home lending declines in the final lap of 2023 even though rates fell by at least 80 bps.

Originations of home equity lines of credit and closed-end second liens declined somewhat in the third quarter. Home price appreciation was offset by rising interest rates. (Includes three data tables.)