An uptick in home sales is helping lenders to have a rosier outlook for 2024, but the mortgage lock-in effect could put a cap on expected growth.

President Biden late last week signed a short-term continuing resolution to keep federal agencies open through March 1.

Katie Sweeney, CEO of the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts, is stepping down to lead AIME offshoot Broker Action Coalition.

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.

Fannie Mae has identified a significant number of appraisals conducted by unlicensed appraisers using stolen identities.

The lender said it is working with forensic experts and law enforcement to address the cybersecurity incident.

By automating its biennial review system, the FHLBank regulator has dramatically reduced the number of member institutions that are inadvertently omitted from community support reporting.

The latest mortgage rumor in the nation’s capital: President Biden might turn to Fannie and Freddie in an attempt to push down borrowing rates, thus aiding his reelection chances.