Regional differences in mortgage closing costs largely explain the seemingly irrational “failure to refinance” of some borrowers when rates fall.

Lenders gravitated toward lower loan-to-value ratios and higher credit scores with their deliveries to the GSEs in the third quarter.

Fannie provided details on how to initiate effective prefunded quality control, which can help to prevent buybacks.

New research shows that when mortgage companies use minority actors in their TV ads, viewers are more likely to apply for a loan with that lender. Borrowers also showed more brand favorability.

New research shows that mandatory flood risk disclosure requirements raise home prices, increase loan sizes and raise debt-to-income ratios.

FHFA proposed adjusting the capital framework that applies to the GSEs to incorporate planned changes in the usage of credit scores. Lenders want more data before any changes are implemented.

The share of mortgages with low credit scores delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac declined during the first quarter. Loans from the lowest-risk category accounted for 64.35% of the GSE business. (Includes two data charts.)

FHFA economists suggest originators may have better pricing technology than Fannie and Freddie.

Researchers with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia found a much higher share of mortgages for investment properties than would otherwise be indicated from the occupancy status stated on loan applications.

Except for credit scores, traditional underwriting criteria are relatively poor predictors of homeownership longevity for first-time borrowers.