VA refis in Ginnie MBS issuance more than doubled on a quarterly basis in the fourth quarter and FHA refi volume was up almost 50%. On an annual basis, Ginnie MBS issuance increased by nearly 20% in 2024.

Endorsement activity involving traditional HECMs declined slightly and production of HECMs for home purchase increased during the third quarter. Mutual of Omaha remained the top HECM lender. (Includes three data tables.)

Among a large group of FHA/VA lenders, the broker channel accounted for 24.8% of government-insured originations in the third quarter. UWM and PennyMac sharply increased their broker volume in the quarter. (Includes data table.)

The pilot seeks to demonstrate how HUD could reduce the costs associated with delivering and retaining original partial claim documents.

FHA Commissioner Julia Gordon said it is probably time to consider FHA pricing adjustments. However, any decisions may need to wait until the next administration comes in. (Includes data table.)

FHA and Ginnie Mae officials are working to ensure HECMs are available by implementing various reforms.

Chairs of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs lose re-election bids; HUD announces sale of residential loans on non-vacant properties; FHA issues standards for flood risk management tied to minimum property standards; FHA appraisal data added to Uniform Appraisal Dataset.

FHA Commissioner Julia Gordon is seeking more federal funding to address ongoing challenges in housing supply and affordability.

The changes are effective Sept. 28 and are necessary to improve the long-term stability of the HECM program, FHA said.

New FHA home equity conversion mortgage endorsements increased 10.8% from the first quarter to the second. Year-to-date, though, volume was down from the first six months of 2023. (Includes three data tables.)