The refinance sector took the biggest hit in the agency market during the first quarter of 2022, though it still accounted for just over half of the loans sold to Fannie, Freddie and Ginnie. (Includes two data charts.)

Another blockbuster year for servicing sales? If the first quarter is any indication, the answer is yes. The key determinant: interest rates.

Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are animals of the secondary market, the FHFA director said they have programs that can increase the amount of housing available.

With home-equity lending suppressed due to tight underwriting standards, nonbanks are finding some success in equity-sharing agreements. The risk: The products may be classified as loans.

When the going gets tough in mortgages, the tough retire. Then again, they can afford to, having made so much money the past two years. But who might replace all those graying CEOs?

Compliance experts are advising mortgage lenders to not let their loan officers get overly creative in their search for new business.

Borrowers still in pandemic-related relief are likelier to have weaker financial capacity, be minorities and live in majority-minority tracts.

In a refinancing scheme involving some 2,500 units, Seth Levine defrauded lenders and investors out of $60 million.

A year of transition? Tough times require action on the part of mortgage CEOs. Some shops are adding new products and branch networks. Others are pulling the layoff lever.

Altisource Asset Management is shifting its focus from managing assets to acquiring non-QMs and other alternative mortgage products.