After two years of declines, direct mail volume by U.S. mortgage lenders might be near a bottom.
Between December 2008 and May 2009, mortgage lenders mailed around 228 million marketing pieces for a monthly average of 38 million, Mintel Comperemedia reported today.
Mintel previously reported that 750 million direct mailings were sent during the first-half 2008 for an average monthly rate of 125 million.
Still, this year’s first-half volume reportedly marks the first period in two years when direct mail activity has not declined from the prior six-month period.
“The leveling off of home loan direct mail is another indicator that America may be reaching the floor of this downturn in the housing market,” Mintel executive Stephen Clifford stated in the announcement.
Home-equity mail activity accounted for 7 million of this year’s mailings, while mortgages pieces accounted for the rest.
Mintel noted that direct mail volume during the first-quarter 2009 volume was 84 percent lower than the first-quarter 2007.
