More defects and fraudulent information were found in mortgage applications in December and January, according to the First American Loan Application Defect Index. Analysts blame the increase on the dwindling share of less risky refinance transactions. January numbers show that the frequency of defects, fraudulence and misrepresentation in the information submitted in mortgage loan applications increased 5.8 percent in January compared with December. “This month, the Loan Application Defect Index continued...