Spreads tightened this week for a new CRT transaction from Fannie and new non-agency MBS; prepayment rates on agency MBS exceptionally low; lessons from Silvergate Bank’s crypto activity.

Loans in the new jumbo MBS have seasoned for an average of six months...

PMI on purchase mortgages delivered to the GSEs declined by 33.9% from 3Q22...

The correspondent channel accounted for 40% of Wells’ originations in 2022, and the bank ranked third among all lenders in the channel. Still, some see Wells’ move as a positive step for the mortgage industry.

For decades, Wells has capitalized on the cross-selling opportunities inherent in mortgage lending...

The downside to mortgage rate buydowns...

Cash sales have gained market share during a time when mortgage financing typically increases...

Rate locks declined in December and loan applications fell to levels last seen in 1996. Interest rates are to blame. Economists offer some glimmers of hope for the second half of the year.

Rising interest rates took a bigger bite out of private MI activity than FHA business in the fourth quarter of 2022. On an annual basis, primary MI activity fell, based on agency MBS issuance, though issuance volume involving loans without MI was off by even more. (Includes two data charts.)

The share of homebuyers using all cash to purchase homes rather than a mortgage is increasing. Some affluent homebuyers are avoiding purchase mortgages due to high interest rates.