Depository institutions posted nice gains in MSR values in the fourth quarter, thanks to rising interest rates. But higher rates come at a cost in the form of lower originations.

Republicans, who have long opposed the bi-merge credit scoring model, now control Congress. That, combined with Trump’s “regulatory freeze,” could spell the end of this part of credit report reform.

WaFd Bank is ending its mortgage origination activity; TD Bank is considering selling jumbo mortgages; some banks are still increasing their mortgage business; President Trump issues order on housing, freezes regulatory efforts.

Following a strong jobs report, many economists now expect the Fed to keep rates unchanged. Also, concerns about policies from the Trump administration are helping to drive up the 10-year Treasury rate.

About 20 wholesale account executives and managers recently left Acra for Champions Funding.

Property insurance premiums are rising and accounting for a larger share of mortgage borrowers’ monthly payments.

Prices for credit pulls are rising again, prompting frustrations among lenders.

Lenders are concerned that the incoming Trump administration might reinstate limits on GSE acquisitions, repeating an action from the first Trump administration.

Mortgage bankers are trying to stay optimistic about the coming months but interest rates are rising, applications are down and inflation hasn’t been fully tamed.

Michael Barr to step down as Fed vice chair for supervision; fifteen states and the National Association of Home Builders sue HUD over energy-efficiency requirements; Ally to exit origination business.