After posting a $54.3 million profit in the fourth quarter, MFA Financial took a loss of $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2026 after posting losses on various non-agency assets.

Non-qualified mortgage performance improves in March; Deephaven expands guidelines for HELOCs.

The real estate investment trust’s residential credit business was the most profitable during the first quarter of 2026. The company has sharply increased its investments in the segment.

Newfi Lending contributed 100% of collateral to a non-agency mortgage-backed security that started marketing this month.

AD Mortgage’s acquisition a year ago of Flagstar Bank’s third-party originator platform has helped expand its geographic reach.

To thrive in the non-agency space, many lenders point to diversification, particularly in home equity products.

Maine’s governor signed a comprehensive home equity agreement bill last week. The products remain under litigation in other states.

Newrez and Associated Healthcare Credit Union this month launched new mortgage products for medical professionals.

Splitero joins the Coalition for Home Equity Partnership board; American Association of Private Lenders implements background checks for incoming members.

The impairment rate on non-qualified mortgages increased by 51 basis points in February, driven by a mix of higher new impairments and further deterioration in cure and made-payment rates, according to dv01.