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.

Officials from the Federal Reserve have warned about redlining and steering risks from digital targeted advertising, though it may be the best way for lenders to market their products.

Adoption of eNotes has been limited, though activity surged in 2019 led by Quicken Loans and warehouse lenders. There are benefits for lenders willing to deal with the problems that accompany electronic processes.

BlackRock transferred $589 million of stock in PennyMac Financial Services, accounting for a 20% stake in the lender, to two of its affiliated charitable entities. BlackRock initially invested $34 million in PennyMac in 2008.