Mortgage Activity Up Again Falling mortgage rates motivated an increasing number of borrowers this week to inquire about a refinance, though inquiries for purchases were also higher. Rates, however, are poised to deteriorate. Refinance activity more than doubled compared to a year ago. Despite a widening spread over conforming rates, more jumbo borrowers were out shopping for a loan. The number of prospective borrowers who inquired about a mortgage rose 4 percent from last week, leaving the U.S. Mortgage Market Index from Mortech Inc. and Mortgage Daily for the seven days ended Feb. 3 at 270. The index was 48 percent higher than the week ended Feb. 2, 2011. read story

Mass Refi Plan Unveiled for Non-GSE Borrowers
A massive refinance program for borrowers who don't have conventional agency mortgages was one of several initiatives announced Wednesday by President Obama. But the multi-billion-dollar tab for the program will be picked up by the nation's lenders.

REO-to-Rental Program Takes Shape
The much-anticipated program that will convert real-estate-owned properties into rentals is now underway.

Freddie Issuances Surge
The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. gave a stunning performance in the first month of 2012 with issuance soaring 51 percent. While the Government National Mortgage Association also saw a gain, securitizations dropped by nearly a quarter at the Federal National Mortgage Association.

FHA Lending Insight
A number of recent enhancements and updates to Federal Housing Administration programs impact loans to finance energy-efficient improvements, the sale of foreclosed properties and rehabilitation mortgages. FHA mortgagees looking to avoid enforcement actions might want to participate in an upcoming conference call.

FHA, Jumbo & Purchase Activity Drive Business Higher Led by an increase in inquiries for purchase financing, government-insured loans and jumbo mortgages -- overall mortgage activity was higher this week. Both jumbo and 15-year loans were priced more competitively in the latest report, and overall mortgage rates are poised to come in lower in the next report.

FHA Refi Plan Has Little Chance Congressional Approval
The $10 billion tab for the administration's proposed plan to provide Federal Housing Administration refinances for up to 4 million borrowers whose existing loans are not owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac would be charged to mortgage lenders.

Condo Communities Grapple With FHA Certification
During the past three months, more than a third of condominium communities that were submitted for certification to the Federal Housing Administration have been rejected.

Mortgage Insurance News | Mortgage Insurance Statistics
News about mortgage insurance issuance, defaults and litigation