The push toward automating processes and streamlining business practices helped spur fast closings during the recent refinance boom.

The new offering allows for a cash-out refi with an LTV ratio near 90% without borrower-paid mortgage insurance.

Lower rates this winter could create a small boost in refi volume, but don’t expect a massive wave of refis like a few years ago.

The spring homebuying season helped to increase purchase-mortgage lending by 40% from the first quarter to the second. Still, the purchase sector lost some market share in the first half of the year as refi business percolates. (Includes five data tables.)

Borrowers who obtained mortgages in recent years are prime targets for refis as interest rates decline.

A proposal from the Urban Institute calls for a revamp of the refi process to make it more equitable for lower-income borrowers and borrowers of color.

A request for information is expected from the bureau as early as the end of this month.

Only 23 lenders completed IRRRL endorsements in the final three months of 2022.

To combat such “churn,” the agency is now advocating changes, including the establishment of a formal Ginnie/VA working group...

The five-point action plan includes initiatives to create a more diverse appraiser workforce and raise awareness about consumer rights.