Actions are speaking louder than words as mortgage industry-sponsored political action committees make contributions in the runup to the mid-term election.

Rumor has it that Frank Martell was brought on as CEO of loanDepot to cut it down to size and sell it. Can he? Will he? Stay tuned.

In an insurance claim dispute resulting from Guaranteed Rate’s settlement with the DOJ involving the False Claims Act, a court said Ace American Insurance Company has to pay the lender for the cost of the settlement.

The new Congress that will be sworn in next January should concentrate on housing affordability, says Ron Terwilliger, chair of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy.

New Zealand researchers find that analysis of a borrower’s digital footprint improves loan performance and reduces discrimination.

Rate locks jump; home prices decline for second consecutive month; the remote work factor; website will connect borrowers with brokers; new loan origination system promises “fun.”

The California-based mortgage servicer also exited correspondent lending.

Commercial banks and savings institutions reported significant declines in secondary market mortgage activity during the second quarter. Home loans held for sale on banks’ books also saw a severe drop. (Includes two data charts.)

Repurchase activity at banks and thrifts increased sharply during the second quarter. PNC Bank overtook JPMorgan Chase to lead the industry in buybacks. (Includes data chart.)

It’s not easy making a living originating loans these days, especially for third-party lenders. The latest firm to exit TPO: Rushmore.