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.

Despite talk that lenders would reduce loan originator compensation in 2019, comp increased on an annual basis. Lenders could reduce LO comp this year with refi business expected to decline.