Construction-to-permanent loans are picking up a head of steam in certain markets. “Down here [in Florida] it’s extremely hot,” said Joe Adamaitis, vice president and residential lending manager for Insignia Bank.

Banks that extend warehouse lines of credit to nonbank originators saw their commitment levels fall 39 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period a year earlier, yet another sign that the origination market was extremely weak during the first three months of 2014. On a sequential basis, commitments dropped a more benign 10.8 percent, but it’s not unusual for some firms to keep a line open, even if they’re not utilizing their power to borrow. According to Inside Mortgage Finance estimates, banks and nonbanks had $27.0 billion in warehouse commitments on their books as of March 31, compared to $31.0 billion on December 31, and $45.0 billion a year ago. One active warehouse bank had...[Includes one data chart]

It’s a buyer’s market for mortgage firms these days, and former Cole Taylor Mortgage Chief Executive Willie Newman couldn’t be in a better place: He’s teamed up with Stone Point Capital, a hedge fund that has committed several hundred million dollars to the purchase of residential lenders. “We have a lot of plans,” Newman told Inside Mortgage Finance. “We plan to be in originations, servicing, capital markets and multi-channel production.” It was...

Former employees of the firm told IMFnews that they are perplexed as to why the company’s owners did not file a bankruptcy filing in federal court.

Lack of Congressional funding, however, has put a damper on the initiative. And lenders generally oppose proposals where they would be charged a subsidy fee.

Investors interviewed by IMFnews weren’t sure what to think of the latest news from Ellie Mae.

Despite the not-so-good news on applications, one warehouse lender suggested to IMFnews that larger lenders are suffering much more than smaller firms.

The high cost of FHA loans, due mainly to higher MI premiums and a requirement to maintain mortgage insurance for the life of the loan, has made it difficult for borrowers to obtain credit.

The price quotes can vary greatly depending on the size of the company being targeted, especially if there’s a servicing portfolio and platform that needs to be looked at.

“In recent client meetings, Stratmor heard that lender fees are now being included in the rate sheet price,” Yung said. Indications are that the 3 percent cap is causing lenders to fold the lender fees into the rate – specifically on the retail side.