By Jann Swanson
Posted To: MND NewsWire
Several factors combined to improve access to mortgage credit last month with the greatest gains coming in conforming loans. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) said its Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) rose to 121.4 in March, a month-over-month increase of 2.3 percent. An increase in the index indicates that lending standards are easing. Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s Chief Economist said, “A number of factors contributed to a loosening of credit in March: Freddie Mac’s introduction of their 97 LTV program (Fannie Mae’s was implemented in December), additional loosening of parameters on jumbo loan programs, an increase in offerings of cash-out refinance loans, and continued expansion of the FHA streamline refinance and VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) programs. As a result…(read more)




