MBA increases odds of a recession within next 12 months; new tools to verify employment, income; downpayment size increases in 2024; new proposals from MISMO; lender raises funds; Cardinal offers processing for brokers; new hire at Nationwide Mortgage Bankers.

Economic uncertainty will require mortgage companies to be more flexible in how they scale their operations.

Lenders are planning to take a more hands-on approach in 2025 due to the purchase-heavy environment expected this year.