Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae accounted for most of the growth in the servicing market during the first quarter of 2021, as nonbanks continued to expand their footprint. (Includes two data charts.)

Subservicing contracts continue to proliferate. The bad news? These vendors worry about an onslaught of COVID-related work and oversight. (Includes data chart.)

Time to throw away the loss-mitigation toolbox in dealing with COVID-related delinquencies? Maybe not.

Nonbank Cornerstone Home moves to buy an FDIC-insured institution. Also, should anyone be worried about SoFi’s progress in mortgages?

Competition among the two dominant players in the wholesale channel continues to reduce the profit equation. However, margins from retail lending remain robust … for the moment.

Critics argue that community banks and small credit unions are vulnerable to rules designed for large lenders. Also, if Fannie and Freddie exit conservatorship, many of the guardrails protecting small lenders could vanish.

Incenter Mortgage Advisors is known mostly as a servicing broker and whole loan trader, but through an affiliate it wants to help nonbank mortgage firms tap the student loan market. Will it fly?

Applications are down but not dramatically so. Also, UWM’s CEO sees opportunities in the M&A binge, namely the ability to recruit some top-flight talent who might be left without a home.

Two months after buying AmeriHome Mortgage, WAB is carving up its massive servicing portfolio and selling chunks to the highest bidder. What’s going on? Profits, for one.

Bulk servicing sales are beginning to catch fire. Credit: rising rates and slower prepayment speeds. Moreover, dealmakers anticipate a red-hot third quarter for transactions.