Home-equity originations rose sharply in the second quarter as robust housing value growth and soaring interest rates formed a perfect environment for tapping equity by way of second-lien mortgages. (Includes three data charts.)

Ginnie Mae MBS issuance declined again in August as refinances and VA securitizations contracted. PennyMac continued to top the issuer ranking. (Includes two data charts.)

Loan sales to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae plummeted further in the second quarter as desperate lenders tried to boost volume by easing credit quality standards. (Includes one data chart.)

loanDepot, the nation's seventh largest home lender, is reducing its funding facilities...

The decline in both lending programs was focused on refinances.

FHA and VA endorsements shrank more than 19% in the first quarter as interest rates climbed. Those who made a quick switch from refi to purchase business thrived. (Includes three data charts.)

As mortgage originations declined in the first quarter of 2022, lenders loosened underwriting standards.

As retail and correspondent loan sales to the agencies fell by 20%, lenders became visibly less discerning about credit quality, with credit scores dropping and DTI/LTV ratios rising. (Includes two data charts.)

Why isn’t there more merger and acquisition activity out there among mortgage companies? Maybe soon though...

When it comes to mortgage gripes registered, Wells Fargo was a distant second with 386...