Loans delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the fourth quarter of 2023 move towards lower LTV ratios and higher FICO scores as volume plummets. (Includes two data tables.)

Lenders need specific plans for outreach to borrowers that are Black, indigenous and people of color, according to industry participants. Focusing on the borrowers can be difficult but will pay off, the industry participants added.

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.