Trade groups say small and mid-sized independent mortgage bankers don’t need more federal supervision because they pose no systemic risk.

Sellers and homebuilders are increasingly reaching for an old mortgage tool to make their homes more attractive to potential buyers.

The CFPB wants to create a public registry to track nonbank financial firms that have been cited by a federal, state or local authority for unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices. The goal: To add sunshine to the markets and enhance regulators’ supervisory efforts.

Fewer fix-and-flip home sales are occurring these days, a negative sign for this once white-hot sector. What's more, the profit per transaction dropped to $62,000 in the third quarter. Meanwhile, remember industry veteran Bill Dallas? He may be returning to the mortgage industry for one more rodeo.

Fannie and Freddie recommend the CFPB amend the qualified mortgage rule so that more borrowers, particularly those with small-balance loans, are eligible for refinancing.

Sprout Mortgage, which closed its doors in July, is facing at least four lawsuits from jilted business partners.

Private mortgage insurers benefit from recurring revenue from insurance-in-force, which makes declines in originations less problematic.

Appraisal reform and redlining were major focus areas at an annual event that highlights federal accomplishments in fair lending. The Fed, meanwhile, will release new redlining risk assessment materials, perhaps by the weekend.

Silvergate Bank has been in the news because of its crypto-finance-related business. But the depository is now in the process of trying to quietly pull out of warehouse lending. What’s going on? The bank isn’t talking.

Most subservicing specialists have experienced tepid growth the past few quarters. The reason? A red-hot bulk sales market is one possibility. Meanwhile, a few top-ranked vendors are about to have new owners. (Includes data chart.)