The debt prices of select nonbank lenders have improved in recent weeks, but remain in the speculative bucket. As spring approaches, originators and their investors are hoping for the best. What else can they do?

On a quarterly basis, originations will bottom out in the first quarter, according to projections by the Mortgage Bankers Association. Still, it will take a little longer for profitability to improve.

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.

It’s a safe bet that further job cuts are in the cards for most mortgage franchises. But is the worst of the personnel bloodletting over? That’s hard to say. The optimists out there are hoping for a stronger second half.

The Michigan mortgage giant is one of several major lenders gambling that the opportunity to lower rates will attract more homebuyers.

Rate locks declined in December and loan applications fell to levels last seen in 1996. Interest rates are to blame. Economists offer some glimmers of hope for the second half of the year.

Rising interest rates took a bigger bite out of private MI activity than FHA business in the fourth quarter of 2022. On an annual basis, primary MI activity fell, based on agency MBS issuance, though issuance volume involving loans without MI was off by even more. (Includes two data charts.)

UWM chief Mat Ishbia is about to become the owner of an NBA team. Does he have enough money to make the grade? It certainly looks that way.

Industry veteran Paul Rozo said his company, PRMG, is playing "the long game"...

The general belief is that the ugliness brought on by sharply increasing interest rates still has a ways to go.