Ongoing affordability issues and volatility in the financial markets combined to suppress purchase-mortgage lending in the first quarter. Meanwhile, refi volume was up nearly 50% from a year ago. (Includes four data tables.)

FHFA Director Bill Pulte sees himself as an advocate for the housing market. He said FHFA is working to increase the number of homes for sale. Details were scant on the effort and on potential GSE shifts.

MBA is largely happy with changes made so far by the Trump administration. Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the MBA, said the administration is creating certainty, clarity and stability for mortgage companies.

VA partial claims bill passes in House; nominee for FHA commissioner expected to have industry experience; Pulte touts big find at Fannie.

Correspondent sales of non-agency jumbo mortgages increased by 62.3% on an annual basis in 2024.

The bill would increase the qualified mortgage exemption to apply to banks with up to $50.0 billion in assets.

Among many other provisions, the tax reforms included in the bill passed by the House would make the mortgage interest deduction permanent.

The pilot survived as the Trump administration ended a number of pilot programs at the GSEs in recent months.

There are concerns about high debt-to-income ratios, high loan-to-value ratios and “iffy” appraised values.

ICBA is working on revised disclosures under TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rules for construction loans.