Mortgage Survey

What the Mortgage Survey Covers

Each month, the Mortgage Survey provides a comprehensive overview of purchase and refinance demand, underwriting trends, credit availability and topical policy perspectives, drawn from originators and title agents nationwide.

Zelman estimates the survey sample covers nearly 10-15% of total unit originations, which drives a robust understanding of industry conditions and a strong correlation with total originations reported by publicly traded banks and mortgage originators. Mortgage activity sits at the intersection of rates, affordability and housing demand, making it one of the most sensitive barometers of the housing cycle.

Who Uses the Mortgage Survey and Why It Matters

The survey is relied upon by investors and industry participants who need an early view of mortgage demand and credit conditions.

• Investors and analysts covering mortgage originators, servicers and housing finance companies.

• Lenders and mortgage executives benchmarking volume, mix and credit trends against the market.

• Strategists linking rate moves and affordability to purchase demand and transaction activity.

Because the flow of mortgage credit ultimately governs home sales and prices, the survey's strong correlation with reported originations helps stakeholders anticipate turning points in housing demand ahead of the published data.

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