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.

Officials at the bank suggest Wells won’t take much of a hit from the loss of correspondent production. And profitability on the servicing side is expected to improve as the portfolio shrinks.

A proposal to streamline servicing and claim requirements for FHA mortgages is in the works, along with expanded loss-mitigation options for VA servicers. VA also plans to issue a final rule on cash-out refis.

Efforts by the MBA and other industry participants to get the California Supreme Court to overturn a lower court’s ruling failed near the end of December. Servicers in the state are now limited on the amount default interest they can charge.

The correspondent channel accounted for 40% of Wells’ originations in 2022, and the bank ranked third among all lenders in the channel. Still, some see Wells’ move as a positive step for the mortgage industry.

Tongues were wagging late in the week concerning a possible $85 billion package of MSRs hitting the auction circuit. Some suggested it might turn out to be a privately negotiated deal with two buyers.

In late December, Ginnie seized HECM servicing from Reverse Mortgage Funding, which had recently filed for bankruptcy. Other HECM servicers are also facing liquidity pressure, according to industry analysts.