The nonbank plans to use artificial intelligence in an effort to sharply reduce expenses from its call center operations.

The earlier-than-expected end of the COVID national emergency has brought additional regulatory pressure on mortgage servicers.

Second-level GSE MBS issuance involving excess spread from servicing increased in 2022. Private-equity firms and real estate investment trusts are among the investors buying excess servicing.

Building a portfolio of home loans through branch offices is about as old-school as business gets.

Among a group of 20 prominent nonprime servicers, portfolio balances increased by 0.3% during the fourth quarter of 2022. Prepayment rates on non-QMs are low and delinquencies are rising.

Servicing portfolios are available for purchase, including both government and conventional product. However, the market is waiting on news whether Home Point will continue to unload more of its holdings.

Jumbo servicing portfolios at many of the largest firms in the sector increased in both the fourth quarter and on an annual basis. Low prepayment rates helped to keep loans in portfolio. (Includes data chart.)

Commercial banks and savings institutions increased the amount of mortgage servicing they handle for other entities in the fourth quarter of 2022, although valuations for the asset declined. (Includes data chart.)

NYCB closes Flagstar’s non-bank branches; FHA offers new incentives for servicers; home prices decline again in November; MBA writes to FHFA on the cost of doing business with the GSEs; new products aimed at newly-constructed homes; MISMO offers loan limit tool.

Bids for MSRs are declining, prompting worries among some sellers. Those holding servicing also face the possibility of an increase in delinquencies and advancing responsibilities.