Patrick McHenry, R-NC, new chair of the House Financial Services Committee, is viewed as a consensus-maker. But will his politics make it difficult to find common ground with the White House and Senate?

The National Consumer Law Center has called for flexibility in FHA’s property charge loss-mitigation policies, among other changes.

The TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rules require mortgage lenders to disclose prices within three days of an application. But to do so they have to rely on frequently faulty income and debt information.

Communication is key when mortgage companies face financial difficulties and potential breaches of warehouse financing covenants. Warehouse providers are looking for profitability plans for nonbanks.

The servicing side of residential finance, in particular processing fees and MSR sales, has saved many a lender from the abyss during the correction of the past year. But it hasn’t been a complete joyride. Rising personnel costs and technology expenditures are a concern.

Commercial banks continue to look sideways at the residential lending business, wondering why they should be in it at all. Some are getting out while others are scaling back significantly.

Servicers of FHA-insured loans have until April 30 to implement the revised loss-mitigation program.

In November, the former employees filed a class action accusing AmeriSave of fraud, deception and breach of contract. The lawsuit is on hold pending arbitration.

Michael Hild’s 44-month prison sentence is much shorter than the 15 years recommended by prosecutors.

Bids for MSRs are declining, prompting worries among some sellers. Those holding servicing also face the possibility of an increase in delinquencies and advancing responsibilities.