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.

The One Big Beautiful Bill included a plethora of tax breaks for individuals and businesses. The bill also sharply reduced the CFPB’s budget.

Industry stakeholders raised concerns about the lack of staffing and training of employees at the VA’s mortgage program.

In some regards, 2024 was a better, but trying, year for mortgage bankers. A handful of publicly traded shops gave nice pay raises to those in the C-suites. (Includes data table.)

With Congress poised to limit trigger lead activity, lenders that rely on the leads will have to soon shift how they are conducting business.

The FHLBanks responded forcefully to complaints that they fail to live up to their affordable housing mission and that they are a threat to the financial system.

There was little fluctuation in MSR values on a quarterly basis as of the end of June, according to an early look at MSR marks.

The agencies are seeking feedback as they reconsider updated energy codes imposed on new residential construction.

Originations of new HELOC commitments and closed-end second liens ticked up by 2.1% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the previous quarter. Bank of America lost its spot as the top HEL lender. (Includes three data tables.)