Digital mortgage closings are getting renewed attention with the industry forced into social distancing to contain the coronavirus. Remote online notarization can help, though it’s not allowed in all states yet.

The first-time homebuyer share of originations has held steady for years, though the borrowers’ characteristics are changing — many are getting older.

Credit unions tend to offer mortgages with lower interest rates than other lenders. However, their share of originations is relatively low and the gap between them and banks in terms of interest rates has narrowed.