An Urban Institute study shows that the internal rate of return of a downpayment on a home often exceeds that of a diversified stock portfolio, especially in low-growth real estate markets.

The share of GSE purchase mortgages with LTV ratios above 80% increased during the second quarter to a level last seen in 2023. However, lenders held firm on credit scores and the high-LTV-ratio share of refi business declined. (Includes two data tables.)

Lenders are innovating their product offerings to meet the growing demand for non-qualified mortgages.

Artificial intelligence and stronger due diligence efforts can help reduce growing instances of appraisal fraud, according to mortgage investors and appraisers.

The FHA/VA share of agency business with primary mortgage insurance increased during the second quarter for both purchase mortgages and refis. In the first half of 2026, purchase-mortgage volume with primary MI was up only 2.7% from the first half of 2025. (Includes two data tables.)

The new servicing platform, evoLend, is focused on helping loan officers retain borrower business long after closing.

By prohibiting its affiliate brokers from sending loans to Rocket Mortgage, United Wholesale Mortgage induced price cuts by brokers not covered by its exclusivity agreements.

In a random sample of mortgages, the most common significant defect was misrepresentation of occupancy. In a targeted sample, it was undisclosed liabilities.