The FHA saw its total originations drop 5.4 percent in the first three months of 2012 compared to the same period last year but posted a modest gain on a quarterly basis, according to Inside FHA Lending’s analysis of FHA data. Excluding Home Equity Conversion Mortgage loans, FHA originations in the first quarter totaled $50.0 billion, of which 79.0 percent were originated in-house. Sponsored third-party originators accounted for the remaining 21.0 percent, or approximately $10.5 billion, data showed. Production jumped 12.0 percent in the first quarter of 2012 from $44.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011. The top 50 FHA lenders accounted for ... [With 1 chart]