With the latest MMIF audit showing a strong capital reserve ratio, the FHA commissioner said it’s probably time to take action on pricing.

MGIC saw a significant gain in market share during the third quarter, but private MIs overall lost ground to FHA and VA due to surging refinance activity. (Includes four data tables.)

While still offered, piggyback loans are relatively rare in today’s high-interest-rate environment.

A rising tide of purchase mortgage lending floated a lot of boats in the second quarter, and expanded the market share for private MIs. (Includes four data tables.)

FHA purchase-mortgage volume increased 21.4% from the first to the second quarter, based on agency MBS activity. But GSE volume — both with and without private mortgage insurance — increased by more. (Includes three data tables.)

Researchers find that the climate-related increase in flood damage will boost the cost of subsidizing federal mortgage programs by 44% over the next 30 years. That doesn’t include the costs to homeowners, lenders, insurers or MBS investors.

Investor purchases of single-family rentals are on the rise, with many of the new rentals being owned by smaller independent investors.

Researchers find evidence that, in areas with significant flood risk, lenders charge higher interest rates and assess lower home values, even if those areas are not included in FEMA flood maps.

Originations of purchase mortgages with primary MI coverage fell slightly in the first quarter, but the spike in refi activity, especially in the government market, more than made up the difference. (Includes four data tables.)

Refinance volume was up across the board in first-quarter agency business, but the sharp spike in VA activity caught the most attention. (Includes three data tables.)