If the mortgage industry doesn’t change the way flood risk is assessed, lenders could begin to “blue-line” certain areas, refusing to lend due to unacceptable flood risk, according to a paper published by the San Francisco Fed.

Earlier in the year, production forecasts were downright glum. But thanks to the never-ending rate rally, 2019 could turn out to be a $2 trillion-plus year for originations.

Legislation was passed earlier this year to curb abuses tied to VA rapid refis but lender violations remain an issue. At least, that’s how the VA sees it. Big audits may be in the works.

The industry is bracing for another round of negative servicing marks tied to MSRs. However, strong origination results for the third quarter should buffer the carnage.

Origination pipelines remain full and lenders, for the most part, are feeling optimistic about profits. Can it last? Probably, as long as rates remain low.

Mortgage vendor Altisource this week closed its consumer advisory service Owners.com, even though home sales and originations remain brisk.

Underwriting standards vary sharply for investment-property loans delivered to the GSEs and those sold into non-agency MBS.

Fannie and Freddie can keep more of what they earn thanks to a new Treasury/FHFA edict, but buying stock in the two companies remains a dicey proposition.

Remember when rates ticked up a few weeks ago? Forget about it. Rates fell again, applications are strong and pipelines are full.

Witnesses at a House subcommittee hearing on the reverse mortgage program called for improved servicer oversight, mandatory loss mitigation for new HECMs and a new risk rating system.