Proposal for higher capital requirements on mortgages at larger banks expected next week; House passes defense spending bill without RON provision; Umpqua Bank selling one-third of its MSRs; MISMO publishes fee- naming guide; PrimeLending offering fast loan approvals; lender offers AI chatbot to potential borrowers.

Comerica and Fifth Third are departing the warehouse arena. Should nonbanks be concerned that others might follow?

Artificial intelligence can cut down on “stare and compare” tasks. But mortgage originations are so complex, and anxiety-provoking for borrowers, that humans are essential.

Low-income borrowers could divert some of their downpayment funds to a reserve account that would pay loan costs during emergencies in a pilot program proposed by the Urban Institute.

Warehouse bankers advise lenders to stay in contact with their funders as the market deals with low inventory and volatile interest rates.

Home prices expected to decline; FTC hearing on ICE/Black Knight delayed; legal services for AI usage; MISMO updates; accounting proposal on acquired assets.

The volume of mortgages classified as held for sale at banks and thrifts ticked up in the first quarter, ending a long decline. Loan sales by banks also outpaced originations of mortgages intended for sale. (Includes two data charts.)

Mortgage companies across the spectrum are looking for ways to reduce expenses. Automation and artificial intelligence might be a solution.

CrossCountry, Guild offering downpayment assistance; majority of loan originators living paycheck to paycheck; legislation would limit trigger lead activity; and more.

Originations were down in the first quarter, but gain-on-sale margins improved. Having a hand in the servicing business helped some firms turn a profit.