Will lending standards start to ease in 2013? Research by Moody’s Analytics suggest that may begin to happen, albeit slowly.

It’s become the eternal question in real estate – when oh when will lending standards ease up?

Though the housing market has put up some of its strongest numbers since 2006, the mortgage markets, from the perspective of many real estate agents, remain overly restrictive, and they continue to stand in the way of a true housing recovery.

The most recent Survey of Senior Lending Officers by Moody’s Analytics, though, suggests that lending standards may easing, albeit slowly. Though 82 percent of loans the past two years have gone to borrowers with the highest credit scores (compared to 50 percent in 2005 and 2006), the survey did show that over the past 18 months, large lenders either loosened or left intact their lending standards on prime mortgage originations.

And Christopher Zoller, an agent with EWM Realty in Coral Gables and South Miami, said that he has seen lending standards improve.

“I do see an easing of standards, going back to where they were before the boom” Zoller said, adding that lending is returning to its earlier, more responsible roots, when a 20 percent downpayment, solid credit score and employment were necessary to secure a mortgage.

As our infographic below shows, it’d be tricky for lending standards to get any more tight than they currently are, so perhaps an easing is on the way?