May 16, 2025 | Inside Mortgage Finance

FHA/VA Gain Ground in 1Q25 Primary MI Market

Originations of home loans with some form of primary mortgage insurance fell across the board in the first quarter, but the FHA and VA gained share as the private MIs saw the biggest declines. (Includes four data tables.) Read More

Fears Homebuilder Buydowns Are Distorting Home Prices

In the current interest rate environment, homebuilders seem to favor offering mortgage buydowns rather than reducing prices. Officials at mortgage companies fear the buydown activity is inflating home prices. Read More

CFPB Director Nomination Is Back at Square One

The Trump administration last week nominated Jonathan McKernan — who was awaiting Senate confirmation as CFPB director — as undersecretary of domestic finance at the Department of the Treasury. Read More

VA Partial Claims Bill Bound for House Floor

The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee marked up a bill to establish a partial claims program as the last-resort home retention option for borrowers with VA-backed loans. Read More

Delinquency Rates Decline in 1Q25; But Caution Remains

The five largest servicers in Inside Mortgage Finance’s delinquency index posted declines in delinquencies during the first quarter of 2025. Still, servicers are preparing for an increase in delinquencies. (Includes two data tables.) Read More

CFPB Withdraws Guidance Docs; Mortgage Policies Intact

The CFPB preserved several mortgage-related policy documents, as it undergoes a review of all previously issued guidance items under new leadership. Read More

GSEs Ease Interested Party and Lender Incentive Rules

Among other changes, Fannie and Freddie increased the cap on interested party contributions from $500 to $2,500. Read More

Unintended Outcomes Seen in GSEs’ Cross-Subsidies

Researchers say that, at any given credit score, the cross-subsidies inherent in GSE pricing favor higher-income borrowers over lower-income borrowers. Read More

Grapevine: Value in Escrows; Trigger Lead for a Nine-Year-Old

MSR investors see risks and benefits in rising costs for property taxes and insurance; child receives offer from mortgage lender. Read More

Inside Mortgage Finance

May 15, 2025

View Archived Issues

FHA/VA Gain Ground in 1Q25 Primary MI Market

Fears Homebuilder Buydowns Are Distorting Home Prices

CFPB Director Nomination Is Back at Square One

VA Partial Claims Bill Bound for House Floor

Delinquency Rates Decline in 1Q25; But Caution Remains

CFPB Withdraws Guidance Docs; Mortgage Policies Intact

GSEs Ease Interested Party and Lender Incentive Rules

Unintended Outcomes Seen in GSEs’ Cross-Subsidies

Grapevine: Value in Escrows; Trigger Lead for a Nine-Year-Old

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Featured Poll

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

Inside Mortgage Finance

May 15, 2025

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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?