8.2.21
Results of a quarterly survey of loan officers published this week by the Federal Reserve Board found that during the second quarter banks loosened their underwriting standards, particularly for both QM and non-QM jumbo mortgages. This contrasts to the same period in 2020, when banks opted to tighten underwriting standards for mortgage loan products amid the economic uneasiness brought on by the pandemic. In the same survey, banks also reported stronger demand for residential real estate loans, with QM and non-QM jumbo mortgages leading the increase in demand. Additionally, findings showed that banks eased standards across various other asset classes including credit card loans, auto loans, and other consumer loans. This resulted in more consumers having access to credit from a reduction in minimum credit score requirements and an increase in credit limits.