A new survey of mortgage lenders finds increasing optimism about the outlook for mortgage demand and credit availability in the months ahead. The results of Fannie Mae’s first quarter 2015 Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey show that senior mortgage executives across the country have a more positive view compared with the previous quarter or the year before. In fact, more respondents said they expect mortgage demand to grow over the next three months and the share of lenders reporting that credit is easing is now higher than the share that say it’s tightening. Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae’s chief economist, said the results mirror those of the American public, who have been expressing increased optimism about the economy and housing market in recent months. “The first quarter results mirror a similar trend among American households, as shown in our recently released National Housing Survey data,” Duncan said. “These results are consistent with our view that an improving economy, strengthening employment, and increasing consumer confidence should support a modest housing expansion in 2015, after an uneven and disappointing year for housing activity in 2014.” More here.