Subservicing giant Cenlar created the post of chief banking and capital markets officer, hiring JB Long to man the post.

Four companies among the top 10 primary servicers upped their portfolios by double digits on a percentage basis in 2024 — all nonbanks. (Includes three data tables.)

Lenders are facing a tough market for originations, helping to prompt sales of servicing. The supply of MSR is coming both from older vintages with interest rates well below current rates and new production in which a lender might not want to hedge the MSR.

The Section 199A deduction for pass-through entities is set to expire at the end of this year. The Mortgage Bankers Association is pushing for an extension, which appears likely. The question is how Congress will pay for massive tax breaks.

Cenlar, a warehouse lender? It would like to be, but first the subservicing giant has to escape the regulatory jaws of the OCC.

Depository institutions posted nice gains in MSR values in the fourth quarter, thanks to rising interest rates. But higher rates come at a cost in the form of lower originations.

Bulk sales of agency MSR played a role in the growth of several nonbank servicing portfolios during the fourth quarter. The market continued to shift to higher-coupon mortgages. (Includes two data tables.)

Property insurance challenges and rising home values could make it difficult for homeowners to rebuild after the California wildfires.

Following a strong jobs report, many economists now expect the Fed to keep rates unchanged. Also, concerns about policies from the Trump administration are helping to drive up the 10-year Treasury rate.

Property insurance premiums are rising and accounting for a larger share of mortgage borrowers’ monthly payments.