Originations

A week after it dropped to a 28-year low, purchase activity decreased again by over 5%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Financial terms were undisclosed for the most recent acquisition.

Buyer affordability has decreased by almost 22% in the past year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Persistent inflation concerns drove the 30-year average up 41 basis points this month.

Volumes fell 18% compared to the previous week, while refinance activity also pulled back.

Weaker economic conditions, rising interest rates and expected changes in investment returns drove the reduced expectations, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

But with rates turning back up this past week, activity could fall in February, Black Knight Optimal Blue said.

While reverse mortgages allow older homeowners the opportunity to draw on home equity with minimal risk, problems arising from flaws in program structure are causing headaches for borrowers and issuers alike, according to recent reports.

The company's mortgage operations posted a $24 million pretax profit thanks to servicing, while loan production saw a loss.

Since breaking above 7% in November, the 30-year fixed is now down nearly a full percentage point, Freddie Mac said.