In early July, the REIT closed on its previously announced $190 million purchase of Shellpoint Partners, an acquisition that includes mortgage banking firm New Penn Financial.

Mortgage originations rallied in the second quarter of 2018 with most lenders reporting solid gains from a sluggish start to the year, according to an exclusive Inside Mortgage Finance ranking and market analysis. [Includes two data charts.]

With nonbanks continuing to gain share in mortgage origination, servicing and securitization, their ability to raise fresh capital to appease government guarantors is becoming increasingly important – and comes at a difficult time.

Trends with housing inventory, home prices and interest rates appear to be holding back home sales and originations of purchase mortgages, according to industry analysts.

Should Fannie/Freddie profits be put in a government lockbox?

Among those weighing in on GSE capital: Michael Stegman, senior fellow at the Milken Institute, and former FHFA Acting Director Ed DeMarco...

Chris Boyle, chief client officer at Freddie Mac: “I don’t know how half of you make money.”

“Customers are more promptly and efficiently served when they contact their financial institution directly with a concern,” said the American Bankers Association…

At June 30, Flagstar serviced $120.3 billion in home mortgages, but 77.5 percent of that represents subservicing contracts…

Geneva Financial has a message for all loan officers: “Compensation isn’t everything … said no one!”