Optimism and camaraderie at the IMB conference

The mood at the IMB conference in New Orleans was described as cautiously optimistic or very optimistic. Industry veterans attending the conference expressed confidence in the market and shared a positive outlook. While discussions focused on mortgage rates and banking regulations, there was also talk about preparing for potential scenarios such as unexpected Federal Reserve actions. Refi volume was reported as more fruitful in January than the previous quarter, indicating some positive momentum. Cost-cutting and adaptability were emphasized as key strategies for navigating the challenging market.