Credit trends remained strong as heavy refinancing activity helped boost agency business in the second quarter of 2025. The top sellers with significant TPO platforms continued to gain market share. (Includes two data tables.)
FHFA said lenders can now use VantageScore 4.0 when underwriting GSE loans. It’s not clear, though, if the mortgage industry is ready to take advantage of the opportunity.
Advocates for GSE reform offered the Trump administration some useful guardrails to consider as it plots ending the conservatorships of Fannie and Freddie.
Many stakeholders remain skeptical of the Trump administration’s efforts to release the GSEs from conservatorship, but some analysts now say the process need not meaningfully impact mortgage rates.
Agency refinance volume was down sharply in the first quarter but it got off to a faster start than in early 2024. Most measures of agency volume were down, but the share of higher-risk loans was trending higher. (Includes two data tables.)
Is the White House being less than forthcoming about job cuts at HUD and DOGE finding “misplaced” funds at the agency? You decide. But mortgage bankers are getting nervous.