Nonbank mortgage companies looking to survive a tough originations environment must double down on independence, form strategic alliances or cash out through mergers or acquisitions, according to Stratmor.

Deliveries of high-risk purchase loans to the GSEs saw minor increases in the third quarter. But lenders expanded the credit for such loans in the refi sector. (Includes two data tables.)

The flow of purchase mortgages with some form of mortgage insurance in agency MBS increased in the third quarter of 2025, while refinance business saw a sharp downturn. (Includes two data tables.)

Banks and credit unions are struggling to compete with technology-focused lenders who use automation to close home equity loans faster.

One of the most common loan defects remains “incorrect income calculation — rental income/loss.”

Undisclosed real estate debt and transaction fraud risks increased the most in the second quarter, according to Matt Seguin, a senior principal for product management at Cotality.

A combination of underinsurance and shrinking claim payouts is pushing homeownership out of reach for millions of people, Alanna McCargo, former Ginnie Mae president, warned in an Urban Institute paper.

Policies aimed at reducing barriers to homeownership inordinately benefit borrowers with wealthy parents, a recent Federal Reserve study found.

Small investors, who own five or fewer properties, are increasingly turning to debt service coverage ratio financing to grow their portfolios.

A surge in originations helped boost mortgage-banking income in the second quarter, while MSR marks dampened servicing income. (Includes data tables.)