Mortgage Lenders Tighten Safety Belts

Direct mail shows move away from adjustable-rate mortgages, towards steadier loan optionsDriven to act by the recent collapse in subprime lending and the subsequent housing crisis, major mortgage companies have shifted their loan offer strategies to limit future risk opportunities. From June 2006 to July 2007, Mintel Comperemedia observed a 70% decline in the number of unpredictable adjustable-rate mortgages promoted through direct mail. More reliable fixed rate offers grew 6% during the same period.This marks a complete reverse in the industry as fixed rate offers comprised just 31% of all mortgage direct mail from January 2005 through June 2006. Since that time, however, fixed rate offers have taken the lead, accounting for 73% of mail activity during the second quarter of 2007.