Negative outlook for margins; number of foreclosure starts declined in February; MBA launches affordability index; MISMO seeks participants and input on new initiatives.

Banks and thrifts reported a 10.6% sequential increase in the volume of mortgages they repurchased in the fourth quarter of 2021. But for the full year, buybacks trended down. (Includes data chart.)

Finance of America had more than $1 billion of goodwill at the end of September. In the fourth quarter, the company determined its stock price was too low to recognize the benefit, prompting a massive loss.

As the origination cycle begins to turn, home lenders have a decision to make: How far and how fast should we cut?

Analysts at Fannie Mae looked at 14 components that go into the cost of purchasing a home, along with ongoing expenses. Costs related to the mortgage accounted for roughly 30% of the overall cost.

Maintaining contact with potential borrowers through Truebill could lower the lender’s cost to acquire consumers, according to Rocket Mortgage CEO Jay Farner.

JPMorgan Chase has pledged $12 million over the next three years to help five nonprofits test how to increase homebuying and wealth building among Black, Hispanic and Latino households.

Foreclosure starts increased in February; SEC to revamp cybersecurity reporting for public companies; Tradepost acquires GSF Mortgage as part of an expansion of Go Companies; Milo raises $17 million; MISMO to develop standards for eVaults.

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.)