According to NAR’s survey of non-homeowners, 43 percent said mortgage affordability is the biggest hindrance to becoming homeowners.

Fannie and Freddie common stock have been top performers, but with no resolution plan in sight for the GSEs, the rise seems speculative.

The uncertain fate of the “GSE patch,” which undoubtedly helped Fannie and Freddie boost market share, has industry watchers worried.

With the government shutdown stretching into a month, rumors are the GSEs want enhanced forbearance for furloughed federal staff.

The Supreme Court refused to hear a case challenging the constitutionality of the CFPB. The case could lead to more presidential power over the consumer watchdog.

The nation’s megabanks reported weak origination figures and non-cash writedowns on their servicing assets for the fourth quarter. Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and USB suffered the most. [Includes one data chart.]

Four large nonbanks added over $10 billion each in new servicing rights tied to agency mortgage-backed securities during the fourth quarter. PennyMac padded its agency servicing portfolio by $20.95 billion. [Includes two data charts.]