Home Equity Conversion Mortgage endorsements dropped last year despite a strong fourth quarter. American Advisors Group retained its top position among HECM lenders. (Includes two data charts.)

VA originations set a new record in the fourth quarter despite a slump in purchase lending. Nonetheless, purchase mortgages accounted for a large share of total VA business in 2019.

Community mortgage lenders are asking FHA to drop its life-of-loan premium policy that requires borrowers to pay annual mortgage insurance premium until their loan is fully paid.