Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac issued $141.83 billion of single-family MBS during the second quarter, an encouraging 9.4 percent increase from the dreary levels recorded in the first three months of 2014.

One MI CEO, who we called, said this: “Thanks for reaching out. We, along with the other MIs are currently in confidential discussions with FHFA and the GSEs regarding the new standards. Unfortunately, we cannot comment until they are public.”

The sale of mortgages by banks took it on the chin in the first quarter. Lower originations is one explanation but are banks keeping more of their own production?

Phoenix Capital said it has worked with Steel Mountain executives on different projects for 20 years.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is picking up where HUD left off, and then some, said one senior attorney.

Then again, there are different definitions of what constitutes a “re-performing” mortgage. Most of the loans trading in this market are modified loans that have six to 12 months of seasoning and a clean cash-flow history.

But it’s not just talk of capital standards for nonbanks that has some in the industry spooked – it’s the issue of what constitutes capital.

The FHFA IG seems to be singling out one nonbank megaservicer in particular. But the Inspector General isn't naming names...

The largest holder of MBS among the 12 regional banks is the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco with $22.02 billion.

There has been plenty of talk about mortgage M&A, and now it appears that deals are finally happening.