Originations

Refinance application activity last week was the highest in nearly seven years, with more than triple the volume from one year ago, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Banks' lowering of origination fees and loosening of underwriting standards often foreshadow a downturn.

JPMorgan Chase may jump back into a mortgage program that helps low-income Americans buy homes, mulling a return years after most banks pulled back from the business in frustration over billions of dollars in penalties.

Mike Weinbach, chief executive of the home lending business, is departing JPMorgan Chase after 16 years.

The FHFA’s attempt to move some of its balance sheet into the private sector could leave investors with greater liabilities than they were initially told.

The SoFi co-founder said Figure Technologies is working with national banks to employ its distributed ledger tech for loan originations.

Wealthfront will add third-party mortgages to its investing platform, while Varo Money says robo advice and mortgages are in its long-term plans.

Loan limits for most mortgages Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy will exceed $500,000 for the first time ever next year, and the maximum for most high-cost areas will be $765,000.

The housing market has changed dramatically since 2002 but the current appraisal limit has not. It's time for NCUA to catch up.

Financial regulators have been put on notice about the risk of an economically damaging cash crunch in the home mortgage market. Behind the concern: the rapid growth of shadow banks in the origination and servicing of home loans.