Lending and Originations

The MBA reports that overall app volume dropped nearly 6% week-over-week, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage jumping nine basis points to its highest level in nearly two months.

This number is just above recorded lows set in January 2023.

“The relatively higher interest rate environment has depressed mortgage refinancing in particular. Interestingly, cash-out refinance hasn’t been as impacted as rate and term refinance,” according to Joe Mellman, SVP and Mortgage Business Leader at TransUnion.

The GSE names both national and local lending companies, as well as their loan originators, who have made a commitment to making responsible and sustainable homeownership a reality nationwide.

“In the current market, the entire industry is focused on reducing costs,” said Aaron King, Founder and CEO of Snapdocs. “Our research confirms what a growing number of lenders already know—eClosing is critical to any mortgage strategy to remain competitive and improve margins."

The FHFA will host a hybrid hearing of the Appraisal Subcommittee exploring the appraisal regulatory system focusing on appraisal standards, appraiser qualification criteria, and barriers to entry into the profession, appraisal practice and State regulation.

Prospective spring home buyers have responded to a second straight week of falling rates according to Freddie Mac, as they pounce on the nation’s limited housing supply, and have driven app volume upward.

“Higher mortgage rates, record levels of home price appreciation, constrained housing inventories, and economic inflation are challenging for both lenders and borrowers,” said Paul Doman, President and CEO of Accurate Group.

An upcoming Five Star Institute Webinar will delve into the landscape of the mortgage industry over the next 12 months, including a possible rise in home equity loans, a decrease in savings, increased credit card usage, and overall consumer weariness, among other topics.

Chris Bixby of Rice Park Capital Management offers some keys to accelerating proptech and real estate technology through venture capital.