Interest rates are firming up and servicing sales are proliferating. Some dealmakers believe the second and third quarters will be barn-burners in terms of transactions.

Data analytics provider Jornaya sees internet searches for reverse mortgages increasing this spring and that’s a good thing.

The CFPB has emphasized that servicers must pay close attention to consumer complaints. The adoption of technological solutions, though slow in this area, can help.

One lender says that when refinances go bust, the industry can’t expect to waltz into the purchase market without there being casualties. Others are more sanguine.

While correspondent sales volume increased on an annual basis in 2020, two of the top five sellers posted diminished sales. Guaranteed Rate and loanDepot are less reliant on correspondent sales than the other top sellers. (Includes data chart.)

In a bid to diversify its product offerings, New York Community Bank is merging with the mortgage-centric Flagstar. Three other depositories are engaged in M&A deals as well.

Sterling Bancorp recently reached a $12.5 million settlement for allegedly violating the Securities Act. The company is now ready to turn the page on its non-agency past.

It would appear mortgage job security is at an all-time high these days. Credit the pandemic and lower interest rates.

When the pandemic subsides, the majority of lenders plan to allow to some employees to continue working from home.

The CFPB is expected to go tough on mortgage servicers’ handling of forbearance requests and loss-mitigation options, compliance experts warned.