Non-agency originations of higher-priced mortgages declined by 35% on an annual basis in 2020. The higher-priced designation is a proxy federal regulators use for subprime mortgages. (Includes two data charts.)

Redwood is trying to shift blockchain from a buzzword to practical technology for the non-agency MBS market. The firm made an investment in Liquid Mortgage, a blockchain-focused startup.

After focusing on fix-and-flip lending in Connecticut for years, Sachem Capital is now lending in 10 states. The lender recently completed debt sales to fuel its growth.

CSBS scaling back proposed standards for large nonbank servicers; SFA offers disclosures for non-agency MBS performance; non-agency forbearance increases; non-agency mortgage conduit launches; Redwood invests in finance company involved in SFR/bridge lending; PCMA expanding geographically.

An effort by the CFPB to delay the end of the QM patch is causing uncertainty for non-agency lenders. A coalition of lenders and consumer advocates said the CFPB shouldn’t move forward with the proposal.

The impairment rate on securitized non-QMs hit 11.1% at the end of February. At the end of 2020, the rate stood at 10.3% after months of steady improvement.

Legal analysts say the bureau’s across-the-board delay on foreclosure starts could face legal challenges. Meanwhile, consumer advocates call for more stringent requirements.

Residential lending with loan terms of three years or less declined by nearly 30% on an annual basis in 2020. LendingHome topped lenders in the fix-and-flip and bridge loan sector. (Includes data chart.)

Two non-agency MBS issued in March included a significant number of loans that didn’t receive full appraisals due to GSE policies. Rating services penalized the collateral by increasing assessed LTV ratios.

AIG is set to issue a jumbo MBS with new production and MFA Financial has a non-QM deal with loans that have seasoned for 16 months. A surge of issuance also looks likely later this month.