While new production volume was generally sluggish in the first quarter of this year, several banks reported higher gain-on-sale margins and better MSR hedging results. (Includes data table.)
Deliveries of retail mortgages to the agencies were boosted by an increase in refinances in the wake of lower mortgage rates in the first quarter of 2026. (Includes two data tables.)
During the first quarter of 2026, Northpointe Bank’s warehouse lending essentially held steady compared with the fourth quarter and the bank increased its production of “all-in-one” loans.
Recent research revealed how borrowers adjust their usage of buy now, pay later loans before and after a home purchase, but more data are needed to understand how the loans are being used.
A new study found that using real estate agent-referred lenders not only increases borrowing costs for homebuyers but also shifts the burden of those costs disproportionately to the most vulnerable households.
Carrington Mortgage Services was the top bulk buyer of agency MSR in the first quarter of 2026, thanks to a large acquisition of Ginnie servicing from Pennymac. Bayview Asset Management was the top buyer in the coissuance market. (Includes three data tables.)
Inflation caused by the U.S.-Iran War means that mortgage rates aren’t likely to fall back below 6.0% this year, according to Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association.
The improvement in mortgage performance seen in early 2026 was weaker than in the first quarter of the prior two years. Much of the difference was due to an increase in loans 120+ days delinquent, with particular issues involving FHA mortgages. (Includes two data tables.)
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