Hometown Lenders has filed for bankruptcy citing issues stemming from interest rate trends. Plenty of conventional lenders have folded their tents the past two years, but there hasn’t really been a groundswell in bankruptcy filings.

Researchers find evidence that, in areas with significant flood risk, lenders charge higher interest rates and assess lower home values, even if those areas are not included in FEMA flood maps.

The Supreme Court’s decision to remand a lawsuit involving preemption back to a lower court leaves the issue unsettled as the high court offered a framework to review preemption rather than bright-line standards.

The new registry includes some exemptions for nonbanks already reporting regulatory and court orders to the NMLS.

Servicers are working to shift from reaction-based investments in technology to forward-looking measures. That includes the use of artificial intelligence.

The request for information touches on various fees associated with mortgage originations. Trade groups representing lenders are concerned that the CFPB will find that fee-disclosure standards are insufficient.

Banks reduced their non-agency jumbo lending in the early months of 2024, with nonbanks picking up some of the slack. Deliveries of high-balance mortgages into agency MBS also declined in the first quarter. (Includes three data tables.)

The program provides borrowers a 3% downpayment assistance second lien with up to $15,000 in financing. The loan does not accrue interest and does not require a monthly payment.

Changes could be underway in the subservicing sector. Number-one ranked Cenlar soon may be out from under OCC regulatory sanctions, while Select Portfolio Servicing takes a second trip to the auction block. (Includes data table.)

During refinance booms, loan officers can be worth their weight in gold but during a downturn LO costs need to be adjusted. That reckoning may be underway now.