In the current interest rate environment, homebuilders seem to favor offering mortgage buydowns rather than reducing prices. Officials at mortgage companies fear the buydown activity is inflating home prices.

The five largest servicers in Inside Mortgage Finance’s delinquency index posted declines in delinquencies during the first quarter of 2025. Still, servicers are preparing for an increase in delinquencies. (Includes two data tables.)

MSR investors see risks and benefits in rising costs for property taxes and insurance; child receives offer from mortgage lender.

Prices for mortgage servicing rights remain strong as the supply of servicing for sale is declining and investors are hungry for more. MSRs tied to both low interest rates and high interest rates are being met with sustained demand.

United Wholesale Mortgage plans to continue to grow organically, making investments in technology. The nonbank took a large loss in the first quarter as values of mortgage servicing rights declined.

Rithm continues to post strong earnings, but officials at the REIT are frustrated by how the market treats its stock. It also has a SPAC-in-waiting and a mortgage company it would like to spin off.

FOMC holds federal funds rate steady; MBA expects rate cut later this year; House committee votes to slash CFPB’s budget.

Mr. Cooper Group’s owned servicing volume took a downturn in the first quarter. Some large banks also continued to reduce their owned servicing.

Rocket’s pending acquisition of the nation’s largest subservicer is making some MSR owners consider a subservicer that isn’t owned by Rocket. Mr. Cooper isn’t giving up, with plans for additional growth.

Hearing scheduled for May 16 to analyze massive layoffs at CFPB; Fannie economists slightly lower forecast for mortgage rates; Horizon Bank sells warehouse unit for a profit.