In a super-low rate environment, how can lenders get purchase loans done without putting refis on the back burner? 

Lenders are faced with strong external pressures on both kinds of mortgage loans, but with purchase loans, there is a homeowner waiting to move into a house, which exerts its own kind of stress. As companies try to manage longer appraisal turn times and a finite number of underwriters and support staff for all loans, refinances might get put on the back burner.