A number of lenders have introduced new non-agency products with looser underwriting guidelines in recent weeks. Rocket and United Wholesale offered jumbos and Deephaven widened expanded-credit products.
Jumbo lending increased a scant 2% in the fourth quarter and held steady on an annual basis in 2020. The sector lost a significant amount of market share as agency refi business boomed. (Includes data chart.)
In the span of two days, Chase offered a first-of-its-kind risk-sharing transaction involving non-qualified mortgages and two prime non-agency MBS, including one with a balance of $1.10 billion.
The QM patch was scheduled to end July 1, but the timeline has been delayed as a Biden CFPB considers its options. The bureau might also revoke the newly-created category of seasoned QMs.
The volume of jumbo servicing handled by 30 of the top firms in the sector declined by nearly 6% in 2020. The share of borrowers missing payments is increasing. (Includes data chart.)
After reducing its non-agency investments amid volatility from the coronavirus, Annaly is ready to ramp up activity in the sector. The REIT is acquiring non-QMs and packaging them into MBS.
Non-agency forbearance increases; personnel moves at Deephaven, Wells Fargo and Quontic; new non-agency MBS; a jumbo mortgage symposium; PCMA loosens standards for jumbo product.