Rocket Mortgage, the big Kahuna of home finance, was not immune from higher interest rates in the fourth quarter. Still, the nonbank is rewarding shareholders with a special dividend of $1.01.

While servicing for others among banks declined slightly in the fourth quarter, trends varied among the big boys. Top-ranked Wells continued to reduce its portfolio while second-ranked JPM was an active buyer of MSRs. (Includes data chart.)

Volatility in interest rates and the thirst for profits and liquidity have driven the recent surge in mortgage servicing sales.

Miami is the most popular migration destination of major metropolitan areas, creating opportunities for purchase-money lenders.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency believes the risks that accompany digital tools are real, whether the systems are in-house or supplied by third parties.

The Urban Institute found most property auction sales are to mom-and-pop investors, while most owner-occupants who buy use cash.

The FHFA’s proposed financial standards for GSE seller/servicers could be a boon for larger firms; CFPB launches small business advisory review panel for rulemaking on automated valuation models; foreclosure starts jump; MISMO launches rate quote standard for mortgage insurance; delinquency rate on property taxes declines.

The number of loans 30-59 days delinquent in agency MBS increased during the second half of 2021. Late payments increased on FHA mortgages along with GSE loans. (Includes data chart.)

The mortgage employment boom of 2020-2021 is drawing to a close. One ray of hope for the recently laid-off: the non-QM sector.

Soaring home values boosted the national average equity stake in a mortgaged residential home to $185,000 at the end of 2021. The year-over-year gain: $48,000.