Flexible nonbanks weathering the storm; layoffs continue at mortgage companies; tepid demand for mortgages on new homes; best execution analysis; Rocket preps AI offering; Equifax boosts mortgage-related revenue.
Better saw improvements in its pull-through rates in a pilot program in which the lender paid its LOs commissions. The lender found that its no-commission model didn’t work well for purchase mortgages.
With barely any refinance activity, the seasonal housing slowdown showed overcapacity in production platforms that squashed profitability. (Includes data table.)
Two large nonbank retail lenders took losses in the fourth quarter, with officials stressing that better days are ahead. Guild is growing through M&A while loanDepot is reducing its staffing.
Cyberattack will cost loanDepot at least $12 million; average borrower has nearly $300,000 in home equity; home prices overvalued across the country; MSR gain some value; new servicing platform from Sagent; MCT offers TBA pricing indicators; lender launches real estate platform.
FDIC call-report data show mortgage banking income at banks and thrifts declined by a quarter sequentially, although full-year profits dropped by just 4%. Chase was easily the most profitable bank in the mortgage sector. (Includes data table.)
The company estimates mortgage technology segment revenue growth in the low to mid-single-digit range this year. The segment boosted revenue by 17% in 2023.
Declining MSR valuations created problems for bank mortgage operations in the fourth quarter, along with a slowdown in loan originations and sales. (Includes data table.)
Citizens Bank left the wholesale channel amid weak margins; Mr. Cooper’s cyberattack recovery includes large expenses for borrower services; new leader at broker group; Consolidated Analytics acquires Real Info; customer relationship management tool with artificial intelligence for loan officers.