Analysts say homeowners are sitting on $6.2 trillion of home equity that could be converted to cash. But for many, refinancing is a better choice than a HELOC. (Includes three data charts.)

The Financial Stability Oversight Council noted the risks posed by nonbank mortgage firms in its latest annual report. But are FSOC's concerns overblown? Trade groups weigh in, as does Treasury Secretary Mnuchin.

Investment bankers that buy and sell mortgage servicing rights are starting to feel like the Maytag repairman. But deal activity is set to improve in the first quarter of 2020, or so they hope.

Industry veteran Brian Montgomery this week moved a little closer to getting the No. 2 job at HUD after the SBC gave him the thumbs-up. Next stop: the full Senate.

The nation's GSE regulator meets the Federalist Society: “What we’ve been able to do in the eight months that I’ve been here is cut the percentage of business that has multiple risk factors in half."

Financial regulators are backing “responsible use” of alternative data in loan underwriting but there are still many uncertainties, particularly in the world of residential finance. More to come? Indeed.

A lawsuit involving Wells Fargo, Wachovia and emergency lending facilities by the Fed during the financial crisis has the potential to expand the application of liability under the False Claims Act. An appeals court recently ruled against Wells in the case.

Thanks to a strong origination market, loan officers are in demand. The payment of "signing bonuses" is not unusual this time of year, but will the investment in top performers be worth it? Opinions can vary.