Don’t like the bids you received for your mortgage company in a tough market? Maybe the easiest (and safest) thing to do is self-liquidate and keep the cash that was on the balance sheet.

Home-equity originations declined 14.7% from the third to the fourth quarter. But compared to 2021, the sector was glowing with a 49.1% spike in originations in 2022. (Includes three data charts.)

First Republic Bank’s share price declined even after 11 big banks deposited $30 billion into the institution in a show of support. Western Alliance Bank has fared better, without coordinated support from other banks.

The guilty plea by Sterling Bank includes $27.2 million in restitution. The DOJ said any higher amount would have put the bank out of business.

The failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank have put much of the banking system on shaky ground. Lenders with similar balance sheets that are more heavily involved in the mortgage market are under scrutiny.

With a bank liquidity crisis taking seed, some nonbank CEOs started asking a basic question: Are our escrows safe? What about our corporate deposits? Needless to say, it’s been an interesting week.

When nonbanks hurt, so too do their warehouse bankers. Just how bad is it? Many originators in the primary market are struggling to post a profit, violating their contractual covenants. (Includes data chart.)

To gain ground in a tough origination market, Rocket has set its sights on purchase-mortgage borrowers while United Wholesale is focusing on margins.

The GSEs’ endorsement of attorney opinion letters in lieu of title insurance has the title industry concerned.

The FHA gained share in the first-time buyer market during the fourth quarter even though its average loan amounts were up slightly. Rising mortgage rates led to higher debt burdens across the market. (Includes four data charts.)