A recent cash infusion will help MFA Financial revive its first ever non-QM MBS. The deal had been put on hold because of the pandemic.

Sales of non-QMs at distressed prices accounted for a large share of the nearly $65 million loss Impac took in the first quarter.

Interest-only loan production dropped nearly 25% in 1Q. Meanwhile, the share of IOs originated in areas vulnerable to storms is increasing. (Includes data chart.)

Nine of the top 10 ARM lenders reduced production in the first quarter. Overall, ARM volume fell 20.3%. (Includes data chart.)

Velocity issues unrated MBS; non-QM lenders loosen guidelines; Caliber settles with NYAG on loan mods; EasyKnock raises capital.

The lender took millions of dollars in reserves for potential buybacks and litigation involving the bank’s now shuttered non-QM program.

The impairment rate on non-QM MBS increased by more than five times in April as borrowers felt the side effects of the coronavirus. The worst performing non-QM loans were those to self-employed borrowers.

Touting its experience servicing distressed subprime mortgages, Ocwen is looking to acquire delinquent loans. (Includes data chart.)

Four deals were brought to the market in the past two weeks and more are in the works. However, issuance will slow as the recent activity was backed by loans originated before non-QM lenders halted production.

Wells Fargo is set to issue a $478.1 million jumbo MBS, marking only the second deal of the quarter.