Declining mortgage debt is good news for consumers, but not-so-good news for lenders. Then again, this trend can't last. Or can it?

The OCC believes that HAMP loans perform better than proprietary mods because the program places an emphasis on reduced monthly payments, debt-to-income ratios and income verification. Servicers also receive incentive payments.

“Rather than earning on the front end, they’re increasing margins on the secondary sale," said mortgage analyst Ken Richey.

How much capital should nonbank mortgage servicers be required to have? The question is getting louder and louder.

Mortgage REITs found a cheap source of funding in the Federal Home Loan Bank system. But will the FHFA permanently block their access or just restrict it?

When in doubt, hire an outside QM/ATR consultant to assure compliance.

Will an increase in non-QM lending arrive in time to bolster the mortgage industry?

Jumbos for borrowers with strong credit profiles present banks with limited risks – particularly adjustable-rate mortgages – and the loans offer lucrative opportunities to cross-sell other products.

On Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages with private mortgage insurance, average closing times declined to 42.5 days from 46.0 days.

Every buyer has a different definition of "reperforming," but generally the loan must be current for at least 12 months.