Issuance of Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities with refinance loans increased sharply for the third straight month in October. However, the refi business appears poised to slow as interest rates on mortgages increased through October. (Includes two data tables.)

John Bell, executive director of the VA Loan Guaranty Service, spends much of his time now monitoring the impact on VA borrowers from the National Association of Realtors’ landmark antitrust settlement.

After sweeping Republican victories in elections this week, questions arise over who will lead the FHA, Ginnie Mae and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.