Tag Archives: Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI)

“Credit availability declined in December to the lowest level since 2012, as ongoing industry consolidation is resulting in more loan programs being removed from the marketplace,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist.

The MBA reports that mortgage credit availability fell for the third straight month in May, dropping to levels last recorded in January 2013.

“With the spring buying season underway, lenders are grappling with the threat of a recession and tighter overall financial conditions following the recent bank failures,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist.

For the first time in nine months, the MBA reports that mortgage credit availability increased in November, driven by a spike in the interest of ARM loans amid a declining rate environment.

The MBA reports that credit standards are becoming more restrictive, as its Mortgage Credit Availability Index drops to its lowest level since March of 2013.

Credit availability fell to its lowest level since March 2013 in September, as reports show credit tightening for the seventh consecutive month.

As investors continue to reduce their offerings of ARM and non-QM loan programs and with overall origination volume forecast to constrict, the MBA found mortgage credit availability on the decline once again in August.

“Credit availability fell last month to the lowest level since May 2013, as lenders streamlined their loan offerings in this declining volume environment,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Associate VP of Economic and Industry Forecasting.

As lending standards continue to tighten, mortgage credit supply fell to its lowest level since last July, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Slowdown in refi business has reduced lenders’ availability of government streamline refi programs, which have grown to be less an option for many borrowers.