Rocket Mortgage, the big Kahuna of home finance, was not immune from higher interest rates in the fourth quarter. Still, the nonbank is rewarding shareholders with a special dividend of $1.01.

While servicing for others among banks declined slightly in the fourth quarter, trends varied among the big boys. Top-ranked Wells continued to reduce its portfolio while second-ranked JPM was an active buyer of MSRs. (Includes data chart.)

Volatility in interest rates and the thirst for profits and liquidity have driven the recent surge in mortgage servicing sales.

Miami is the most popular migration destination of major metropolitan areas, creating opportunities for purchase-money lenders.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency believes the risks that accompany digital tools are real, whether the systems are in-house or supplied by third parties.

The Urban Institute found most property auction sales are to mom-and-pop investors, while most owner-occupants who buy use cash.

The FHFA’s proposed financial standards for GSE seller/servicers could be a boon for larger firms; CFPB launches small business advisory review panel for rulemaking on automated valuation models; foreclosure starts jump; MISMO launches rate quote standard for mortgage insurance; delinquency rate on property taxes declines.

Overall securitization rates declined in 2021 as the historic wave of GSE and government business began giving way to increased non-agency lending. (Includes data chart.)

Bid prices on certain non-QM whole loans have been sinking of late. A temporary situation or something more?

Geopolitical events halfway around the world are affecting interest rate moves in the U.S. It’s possible that mortgage rates could move lower in the immediate weeks ahead. Otherwise, the crystal ball looks cloudy.