AD Mortgage
Research Hub
Research Hub
See how the insights from our team's studies can help streamline your processes and understand your borrowers better.
Human Skills
in an AI World
in an AI World
- 82% expect AI and automation to drive industry change
- 82% rank relationship building and communication as a top skill
- A survey on skills that mortgage professionals will need in 2027
US Down Payment Affordability
- Jackson, MS has the shortest saving timeline at 5.7 years
- The 10 most accessible cities require roughly 6.0-8.5 years of saving
- A study of how long it takes to save for a down payment across 250 US cities
Affordability
Credit Score vs.
Mortgage Cost Study
Mortgage Cost Study
A 760 FICO can save up to $45K in mortgage interest
Reaching 760 can take from under 1 year to 4 years
An analysis of potential mortgage savings from a higher credit score 
Technology in the Mortgage Industry
- 55% use AI regularly or daily
- 83% feel comfortable adopting new technology
- A survey on AI, technology adoption, and digital readiness
Affordability
The 10-Year Rent vs. Buy Wealth Study
Buying wins in nearly 80% of cities, even when renters invest their savings
In 26 markets, buying is cheaper than renting even on a monthly basis
A 10-year comparison of buying vs. renting and investing across 250 U.S. cities 
Middle-Class Access
to Housing
to Housing
- The home price-to-income ratio rose from 3.05 to 5.27
- A typical down payment now exceeds one year of household income
- A long-term analysis of middle-class access to homeownership
Mortgage Market
Non-QM Fuels Mortgage Industry in 2026
74.5% report growth in Non-QM volume over the past 3 years
88.4% expect Non-QM volume to continue growing
A survey on Non-QM demand, products, borrowers, and outlook 
Mortgage Market
Mortgage Professionals Pulse Report & 2026 Outlook
84.5% expect their business to grow in 2026
Nearly 70% say 2025 was better for business than 2024
A survey on 2025 performance, market challenges, and expectations for 2026 