FHFA Director Sandra Thompson said critics of the new schedule of upfront fees for loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac misunderstand the nature and purpose of the price changes.

Servicing valuations are starting to inch downward, but not dramatically. The good news: Investors still want the asset and prices are holding firm. One notable: More MSR owners are hedging the asset these days.

First Republic Bank has set its sights on cleaning up its balance sheet and originating loans for sale to the secondary market, which may be easier said than done.

The Mortgage Bankers Association is opposed to the Federal Trade Commission’s plan to ban most noncompete clauses. However, several individual commenters from the mortgage industry favor the proposal.

Mr. Cooper hopes to surpass the $1 trillion mark as a servicer/subservicer, an event that could happen by yearend if it keeps gobbling up portfolios. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of MSRs to buy.

The proposed rule would direct all HUD program participants to proactively take actions to overcome patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice and eliminate disparities in opportunities, among other issues.

The CFPB issued an advisory opinion to limit foreclosures on “zombie” second mortgages, noting that many would be past the statute of limitations.

CFPB raises concerns about algorithms in the mortgage industry; share of borrowers buying points increased in 2022; recession coming, though home prices won’t go down as much as initially expected.

While real estate lending might not feel the brunt of a possible credit squeeze, products like jumbo mortgages could still face challenges. There are signs that banks have reduced their appetite for the loans.

Conforming jumbos, cash-out refinances and mortgages for investment properties and second homes are becoming less prevalent in deliveries to the government-sponsored enterprises. (Includes data chart.)