Lenders are beginning to emerge from a brutal fourth quarter, but this year's spring market has given them no reprieve.

Mortgage applications remain 35% year-over-year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, while rates well above 6.5% have hit their highest point since March. The dust has settled from the earlier banking crisis, while housing players remain split on how to proceed in today's economic environment.  

Brokers are still citing some victories, however, while regulators have given the industry some breathing room.  Read on to learn what's on the minds of industry professionals this month.