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Inside Mortgage Finance

May 21, 2026

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VantageScore Uptake Matches Expectations

Early interest in the VantageScore 4.0 pilot has been strong, but participants note that the new score can be up to 100 points different from Classic FICO. Read More

Refi Share of Originations Nears 50% in First Quarter

The refi share of originations hit 46.7% in the first quarter, thanks to low interest rates in January and February. Purchase-mortgage volume was up 3.7% compared to the first quarter of 2025. (Includes four data tables.) Read More

Lenders’ Hope of Rate Relief Fades as Iran War Drags On

Economists have dialed back their more optimistic expectations for mortgage rates this year after Iran war-triggered inflation undid the rate boost from MBS purchases by the GSEs. Read More

Delinquency Rate Declines, as Usual, in First Quarter

Despite the decline, the delinquency rate at the end of March was above the level seen in March 2025. Some of the increase has been pinned on FHA loss-mitigation changes, though foreclosure activity is also rising. (Includes two data tables.) Read More

Revised Housing Bill Passes House, Fate in Senate Unclear

Versions of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act have passed both the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support. However, differences persist. Read More

OCC Issues Final Rules on Preemption of State Escrow Laws

The final rules clarify that the National Bank Act preempts state interest-on-escrow laws and codify national banks’ powers to maintain mortgage escrow accounts and to set their terms and conditions. Read More

Bank Capital Revisions to Help on the Margins

Industry members expect that the Basel III re-proposal could offer a modest boost to the mortgage industry over time, but seems unlikely to bring banks back to the business in droves. Read More

Rocket Sues UWM for Breaking MSR Non-Solicitation Agreement

Rocket claims prepayment rates on the loans bought as part of UWM’s MSR deals are roughly 2.5 times greater than prepayment rates for comparable pools and resulted in nearly $100 million in damages. Read More

Two Harbors Extends Shareholder Vote on CrossCountry Deal

The delay signals that CrossCountry Mortgage will have to increase its bid price, according to analysts tracking the battle for Two Harbors. Read More

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