Inman Connect Demand for mortgages sagged in April to the lowest level in almost a year, despite the fact that rates eased somewhat and remained near historic lows. That’s according to a new report from data and analytics firm Black Knight, which shows a major shift in the mortgage industry continues as lenders get more and more of their business from originating purchase loans and less from refinancing. Black Knight’s Originations Market Monitor shows purchase loans accounted for 55 percent of mortgage originations last month, up from 52 percent in March. March was a significant milestone in that it marked the first time since December, 2019 that lenders originated more purchase loans than refinancings.