Lenders look to remote online notarization; Ocrolus offers rep-and-warrant coverage for income calculations; ICE offers tool to facilitate reconsiderations of appraisals; Planet Home launches products to help borrowers compete with cash offers; property insurance costs rise nearly 20%; Flagstar plans tech accelerator program; disconnect on homebuyers’ plans and saving for a downpayment.

The Fed could start cutting rates in June, according to projections by industry analysts. The Fed is also moving toward slowing the runoff of its holdings of Treasury securities and MBS.

Banks are reducing their appetite for mortgages, providing opportunities for nonbanks to boost their investment in the mortgage market. Redwood Trust looks to be leading the way in terms of bank partnerships.

Officials from the secondary mortgage market believe innovations in products, policy and technology can support lenders and borrowers through a difficult housing market.

Hope springs eternal for a revival in Ginnie Mae early buyout activity this year. Two missing ingredients: a steeper decline in mortgage rates and an end to the VA moratorium on foreclosures.

Losses on conduit commercial MBS declined by 25% on an annual basis in 2023. However, loss severities remained elevated and delinquencies are rising.

The National Association of Realtors’ recent settlement could prompt a decline in the commission of a homebuyer’s real estate agent. The change could put pressure on both homebuyers and lenders.

Vendors that ply their trade in the subservicing arena aren’t growing very quickly these days, though there are exceptions. Meanwhile, M&A activity has resulted in some attrition and more could be on the way. (Includes data table.)

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra detailed a number of concerns regarding the Appraisal Foundation. The foundation’s president defended the organization.

Employee count increased at United Wholesale Mortgage in 2023, while at Rocket Companies it was down 20.5% on an annual basis. (Includes data table.)