Most mortgage lenders reported solid increases in refinance originations during the fourth quarter of 2014, but the faltering purchase-mortgage sector still accounted for most of their business. A new Inside Mortgage Finance ranking and analysis reveals that refinance originations increased by 16.9 percent from the third to the fourth quarter. Based on securitization figures from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae, refi activity rose by a more modest 14.0 percent, although these data trail the primary market by one or two months. Meanwhile, purchase-mortgage originations were...[Includes five data charts]

In less than 10 months, a volume-heavy private-label origination deal that PHH Mortgage has with Wall Street giant Merrill Lynch is set to expire, potentially blowing a hole in its production machine. According to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, PHH acknowledges that “there can be no assurances that the agreement will be renewed on favorable terms, if at all.” If the deal were to be cancelled, PHH could see...

Most companies engaged in mortgage banking made a profit last year despite a rough first quarter, but nearly all participants earned less than in 2013. A new analysis by Inside Mortgage Trends, an affiliated newsletter, found that a diverse group of 30 public companies reported a combined $13.942 billion in mortgage-banking income for 2014. Different lenders report these earnings differently, but they generally include production, servicing, secondary market and the net effect of hedges and legal costs. For the 30 lenders, mortgage-banking earnings for the year were...[Includes one data chart]

The most aggressive bidders for high-performing mortgage loan officers are nonbanks, which have been steadily stealing market share away from the megabanks...

The nation’s top consumer regulator told lawmakers the bureau has already provided an extended implementation period of 21 months...

The researchers said their data included seven of the 10 largest servicers based on market share.

Although George Ellison’s salary was not disclosed in the press release announcing his employment with the company, a subsequent filing provided details: $450,000 per year, another $450,000 in incentive bonuses...

Bank of America was among the few major depositories that reported a loss in mortgage-banking income, losing $253 million in the fourth quarter.

With little non-agency MBS issuance, Collingwood noted that it’s difficult to accurately price credit risk.

Meanwhile, Ocwen watchers are scratching their heads over a fourth quarter goodwill charge that eventually could reach $420 million...