The agency purchase-mortgage market saw a higher share of first-time homebuyers in 2018 and increased reliance on conventional financing rather than government mortgage insurance. [Includes one data chart.]

The mortgage industry is bracing for a flat year in terms of volume due to higher mortgage rates, a slowing economy and weak loan demand. [Includes one data chart.]

Publicly-owned commercial banks and thrifts reported widespread declines in mortgage banking income during the fourth quarter, according to a new analysis by Inside Mortgage Trends. [Includes one data chart.]

Lenders that sell single-family mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac became slightly more daring in the fourth quarter of 2018, according to an exclusive new analysis by Inside Mortgage Trends. [Includes two data charts.]

Loans originated on retail production platforms and sold to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae during the fourth quarter tended to have stronger credit characteristics than those generated by third-party originators. [Includes two data charts]

Transfers of agency mortgage servicing rights rose to their highest level in at least four years during 2018, although activity cooled in the fourth quarter. [Includes three data charts]