Low-balance borrowers seeking to refinance pay proportionally higher closing costs and receive a smaller reduction in interest rates, according to findings published by the Federal Reserve.

Political power distorts how private capital is allocated, even among mortgage lending activities, according to a new study.

Lenders that do business with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continued to deliver more mortgages with lower credit scores and higher loan-to-value ratios in the second quarter. (Includes two data charts.)

Borrowers in counties with higher rates of voting and census participation and more nonprofits receive faster loan approvals and better terms and exhibit lower rates of delinquency, according to a new study.

Mortgaged property owners retain most climate change-related physical risks and transition risks up to the value of their equity. But lenders, servicers and secondary market buyers also face climate-related risks, the MBA said in a new white paper.

A Fed economist outlines why the COVID-19-related economic crisis turned out so differently from the 2008 global financial crisis.

Usage of Freddie Mac’s Loan Prospector is largely confined to mortgages that will be delivered to the GSEs while usage of Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter is more widespread in the mortgage market.

As retail and correspondent loan sales to the agencies fell by 20%, lenders became visibly less discerning about credit quality, with credit scores dropping and DTI/LTV ratios rising. (Includes two data charts.)

A growing sector in home financing involves power buyers, who with all-cash offer guarantees help homebuyers compete against investors.

Delinquency rates declined across the board at Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae in the first quarter of 2022. The only category of loans to report higher defaults was FHA loans 120 days past due. (Includes data chart.)