Jumbo Originations Increase Sharply After GSE Loan Limits Lowered
March 2, 2012
Originations of non-agency jumbo mortgages increased 32.1 percent in the fourth quarter, aided by a modest reduction in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits in high-cost markets and a surge in refinance lending. An estimated $37.0 billion in jumbos were originated in the fourth quarter, lifting annual production to $118.0 billion in 2011, a 13.5 percent increase from the previous year. It was the jumbo markets best year since 2007 for origination volume, and jumbos accounted for 8.7 percent of total mortgage lending ... [Includes one data chart]