On Thursday, the National Mortgage Servicers Association held a member meeting in Washington D.C., where some of the nation’s top servicers heard from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray. This comes on the heels of Wednesday's Five Star Government Forum, where attendees listened to top-level speakers and participated in panel discussions on the economy and the future of the market.

Jumbo and Government loans jumped in March, boosting overall credit availability. However, Conforming loans saw a drop of 2.6 percent in that time, driven by increased home prices and rising interest rates.

Recently, DocMagic, Inc., reported a 42 percent increase in volume for 2016. The company credits its growth to the mortgage industry’s demand for products that enable TRID compliance, eSignatures and eClosings. This is the second consecutive year that DocMagic’s volume has increased by roughly 40 percent.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., announced on Wednesday that Augustine (Gus) Faucher will assume responsibility as Chief Economist effective immediately. Faucher succeeds Stuart G. Hoffman, who had served PNC as Chief Economist for 37 years.

Applications dropped slightly this week, according to one survey. The survey found that for the week ending on March 31, applications dropped 1.6 percent from the previous week. The Market Composite Index showed that on an unadjusted basis, applications dropped 1 percent from the previous week, compared to the 1.6 percent adjusted.

On Wednesday, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray testified before the Financial Services Committee in a hearing titled “The 2016 Semi-Annual Reports of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.” In his prepared remarks, Cordray defended the role of the CFPB, especially given the current debate surrounding the Bureau.

Leaders from both the government and mortgage servicing industry are to meet in Washington, D.C. to discuss policy and reform in the housing industry at the Five Star Government Forum. The event will include speakers and panel discussions on the economy and the future of the market.

CoreLogic’s February 2017 Home Price Index Report (HPI) reported gains both year-over-year and month-over-month. Home prices including distressed sales rose one percent month-over-month, and seven percent year-over-year. Some areas, particularly in the western U.S., are still harmed by low inventory. In much of California, Washington, and Oregon, home prices are considered “overvalued” as prices were over 25 percent above sustainable levels.

Whether they’re considering taking out a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or already in the process, nearly half of homeowners say interest rates are the most influential factor to consider. Almost half of borrowers listed interest rates as the most influential factor when deciding on a HELOC, which is over twice the second most influential factor: loan amount. Additionally, 36 percent of borrowers list the lower interest rates as the most valuable aspect of a HELOC compared to other options.

Many areas of the U.S. have seen home prices exceed supporting economic fundamentals, according to a report from Fitch Ratings. Areas such as Texas and Florida have seen increases in home prices that have led top overvalued homes, as inflation can't keep up.