The decline in mortgage origination from the first to the second quarter hit nonbanks harder, but the industry still accounted for 70% of production by the top 100 lenders. (Includes two data charts.)

Analysts are betting the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund will be healthy enough to propel the FHA to lower premiums early next year.

Remember the government’s Paycheck Protection Program? Mortgage bankers took some of the money and then posted record earnings.

In regard to underwriting shortcuts, loanDepot said it did nothing wrong, but the nation’s sixth-largest home lender’s counterparties may need some reassurances. One observer called a lawsuit filed against the company a legal “nightmare.”

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and others warn of catastrophic economic consequences if the government fails to raise or suspend the debt ceiling before the middle of October.

The key concern among the industry is the GSEs’ reliance on loan-to-value ratios and debt-to-income ratios. They recommend Fannie and Freddie develop alternative underwriting criteria for low-income borrowers.

Once confirmed, Rohit Chopra, who is no newbie to the CFPB’s workings, is expected to waste no time getting the bureau’s rulemaking and enforcement machinery ticking.

Two key factors in MSR deals increasing: rates firming up a bit and the calendar. Yearend isn’t all that far away.

Many of the borrowers facing the end of their forbearance plans are struggling financially. Servicers say they’re ready to help, and for those who can’t resume payments there’s home price appreciation to bank on.

Progressives call on Biden to pick Sandra Thompson, the first African American and the first woman to head the agency, for the top position. Not incidentally, she may also be the most qualified for the job.