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Inside Mortgage Trends

January 9, 2026

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Lenders Shift GSE Business to Higher Quality in Fourth Quarter

GSE refi business jumped and shifted toward borrowers with higher credit scores during the fourth quarter. With purchase mortgages, lenders also put a greater emphasis on LTV ratios below 81%. Read More

Agency Refi Business With MI Spikes in Fourth Quarter

In the agency MBS market, refi volume with primary MI was up sharply at both the government-sponsored enterprises and the Department of Veterans Affairs, while FHA volume lagged to some extent. Read More

AI Use in Mortgage Activity Expected to Grow in 2026

AI is expected to be increasingly used by both lenders and borrowers thanks to improvements in the seemingly ubiquitous tech. Read More

M&A May Cost Lenders Refi Opportunities

Mergers and acquisitions disrupt relationships between borrowers and lenders and lead to a lower occurrence of refinancing, according to new research. Read More

Appraisal Reviews Help Lenders Avoid Buybacks

Lenders are ultimately responsible for the quality and accuracy of appraisals. That means their quality control teams need to review every appraisal to preserve rep-and-warrant protection. Read More

Lender Loses Appeal Against Arbitration Award to LO

VIP Mortgage sought to vacate an arbitration award to a former loan officer regarding overtime pay. Read More

Borrower-Paid Origination Costs Remain High

Since 2020, borrower-paid costs have steadily increased and remain elevated, but new research suggests that policy changes could improve affordability. Read More

Grapevine: Pulte Targets Score Costs; Mortgage Locks Down

FHFA Director Pulte frustrated by credit bureaus; mortgage locks decline in December; Mr. Cooper plans layoffs in California. Read More

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As homeowner equity continues to build, more and more lenders are launching home equity lending products. Are you thinking of joining this market?

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