Denial rates on applications for purchase mortgages in the conventional-conforming market held steady in 2022, while refi rejections jumped as interest rates increased during the year, according to HMDA data. (Includes data chart.)

Interplay between debt ceiling and mortgage interest rates; mortgage employment declines; rate locks down; Rithm considers spin-off; Planet Financial looking for lenders; new LO recruiting software; Blend’s market share grows; Black Knight’s margins; new appraisal marketplace; MISMO requests for comment.

About 48% of potential first-time buyers are saving up to buy a new home and get out of the monthly rental cycle.

Private mortgage insurers gained market share in the agency purchase market during the first quarter, even as securitization of insured mortgages declined. (Includes two data charts.)

Loans sales by banks and thrifts outpaced originations of mortgages marked for sale for the third consecutive year in 2022. The sales boom looks to be coming to an end as loans held for sale dwindle. (Includes two data charts.)

GSEs set to adopt new credit scores in late 2025; Rocket’s credit card; new president at MISMO.

FHFA economists suggest originators may have better pricing technology than Fannie and Freddie.

Fannie Mae has announced alternative ways to determine a property valuation when a full appraisal isn’t necessary.

A mild recession is in the making for mid-2023 and the country is still woefully behind on housing supply, according to the MBA’s chief economist.

Mortgage companies waiting for the market to improve; some high marks on MSRs; Ishbia ready to dedicate more time to UWM; Equifax offers expanded credit reports; House approves bill to set minimum federal standards for remote online notarization; Better launches mortgage product for Amazon employees.