The commission structure for real estate agents looks likely to change as the National Association of Realtors and brokerages face charges of price fixing. The move is unlikely to have a major impact on mortgage lenders.
Three-plus weeks into the new year, a handful of large servicing deals are afoot. Arvest Bank is an active seller and Wells Fargo is contemplating its options as well.
Banks, nonbanks and consumer advocates have major concerns about a proposal to adjust capital requirements for large banks. The proposal would touch on mortgage lending, MSRs and warehouse lending.
Servicing values slipped in the fourth quarter, a victim of lower interest rates from mid-October to yearend. Hedging helped, but weaker escrow values played a role as well.
The mortgage industry this week lamented the passing of Dave Stevens, who held several key jobs in residential finance, including both regulator and trade group CEO.