Banks are in cost-cutting mode as high interest rates and looming changes to capital requirements have led to uncertainty in the mortgage market.

The rate of appraisals in high minority census tracts that were below the final contract price has fallen post the creation of the PAVE task force.

The proposal would change risk weights for mortgages in bank portfolios based on LTV ratios. Close to 20% of mortgages not sold by banks in 2022 had LTV ratios for which higher capital requirements would apply.

As the CFPB reassesses its loan originator compensation rules, it took novel actions against lenders for LO comp practices.

Fannie and Freddie both shifted from a provision for losses in the first quarter to a benefit in the second. Almost all of that improvement took place in the enterprises’ single-family businesses.

A proposal floated by federal regulators seeks to base capital requirements for mortgages held in portfolio at big banks on loan-to-value ratios. Banks expressed grave concerns about the proposal.

Most top lenders reported substantial increases in first-lien originations during the second quarter. But the rebound in production doesn't appear to have lifted mortgage banking income much. (Includes two data charts.)

For years, banks have been dominant players in the non-agency jumbo space. One strategy: Originate a loan, place it in portfolio and earn a spread. But thanks to rising rates and increased regulatory scrutiny, the economics aren’t as attractive.

Amid a housing supply crunch, investors are finding it more profitable to focus on rental properties instead of fix-and-flip homes.

Although FedNow might seem an ideal fit for mortgage settlements, it remains to be seen if the industry will embrace this technology.