“Last month’s report showed early signs of spring homebuyer activity, and April confirms the season is underway with a solid increase in purchase locks.”
–Brennan O’Connell, Optimal Blue.
Category: News and Trends
LendingTree: Property Taxes Rise in Large Metros
LendingTree, Charlotte, N.C., found median property taxes in the U.S. rose by an average of 10.4% from 2021-2023. They also rose in the largest 50 U.S. metro areas during that time period.
MBA: April New Home Purchase Mortgage Applications Increased 5.3% YoY
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s Builder Application Survey data for April 2025 shows mortgage applications for new home purchases increased 5.3% compared to a year ago.
Lenders Are Losing Trust in the Age of AI. Here’s What the Best Are Doing Differently. Sponsored by nCino
In today’s mortgage landscape, balancing cutting-edge technology with personalized service is the key to success. As lenders face rising costs and shifting borrower expectations, learning to leverage AI isn’t optional—it’s essential for survival.
People in the News, May 16, 2025
Industry personnel news from Selene, SitusAMC and Friday Harbor.
Southern Discomfort: Weather, Economic Headwinds Drive Home Insurance Premiums Through the Roof
First American Senior Economist Sam Williamson examines the explosion in homeowners’ insurance costs and highlights areas where costs have increased the most.
MBA: Commercial/Multifamily Borrowing Increases 42% in the First Quarter of 2025
Commercial and multifamily mortgage loan originations were 42% higher in the first quarter of 2025 compared to a year earlier, and decreased 40% from the fourth quarter of 2024, according to MBA’s Quarterly Survey of Commercial/Multifamily Mortgage Bankers Originations.
Quote of the Day
“Commercial and multifamily mortgage originations posted a strong rebound in the first three months of the year, increasing 42% compared to year-ago levels.”
–MBA’s Reggie Booker
People in the News, May 15, 2025
Industry personnel news from Selene, SitusAMC and Friday Harbor.
Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
Mortgage applications increased 1.1% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending May 9, 2025.