Even with a 9.0% decline during the fourth quarter, production of home equity loans in 2025 was up 25.1% on an annual basis. Both depositories and nonbanks had a hand in boosting production. (Includes three data tables.)

The three major consumer reporting agencies are using discounted pricing and other strategies to drive adoption of VantageScore 4.0 among mortgage lenders. The score is the main competitor to FICO.

Lenders that focus on non-qualified mortgages are optimistic that originations will continue to increase this year.