United Wholesale Mortgage’s CEO has reassured employees that there will be no layoffs due to the current coronavirus crisis.

Lenders and servicers alike are facing huge challenges due to the coronavirus, with many rising to the operational challenge. However, when it comes to MSR sales, the picture is bleak.

Digital mortgage closings are getting renewed attention with the industry forced into social distancing to contain the coronavirus. Remote online notarization can help, though it’s not allowed in all states yet.

The first-time homebuyer share of originations has held steady for years, though the borrowers’ characteristics are changing — many are getting older.

Mortgage REITs came back from the brink this week, but the sector is not out of the woods quite yet. Thanks to the coronavirus, financial uncertainty remains the watchword.

Thanks to rates falling to new lows last week, the asset value of servicing portfolios is in question. In short, margin calls are expected.

Credit unions tend to offer mortgages with lower interest rates than other lenders. However, their share of originations is relatively low and the gap between them and banks in terms of interest rates has narrowed.

Prior to the 2008 housing crisis, the supply of new housing units dipped below 1.25 million only once, in 1982. Following the crisis, the supply didn’t rise above 1.25 million until 2017.

Top-ranked servicer Ocwen Financial is trying to put its problems in the rear view mirror. But a new problem has arrived on its doorstep: Ultra low rates (again), courtesy of the coronavirus.

Mr. Cooper, the nation’s third largest residential servicer, reported strong earnings for the fourth quarter, aided by deferred tax assets and a mark-to-market gain.