Nonbanks accounted for most of the improvement in servicing income in the first quarter while also reporting significant declines in originations and secondary marketing. Companies that use subservicers posted significantly higher earnings. (Includes data chart.)

Most of the big banks -- even Bank of America -- reported hefty gains in mortgage banking income during the first quarter that appear largely driven by net servicing fees. (Includes data chart.)

Officials at Doma, which is set to go public via a special purpose acquisition company maneuver, said the company might not be profitable until 2023.

Interest rates are firming up and servicing sales are proliferating. Some dealmakers believe the second and third quarters will be barn-burners in terms of transactions.

In a bid to diversify its product offerings, New York Community Bank is merging with the mortgage-centric Flagstar. Three other depositories are engaged in M&A deals as well.

It would appear mortgage job security is at an all-time high these days. Credit the pandemic and lower interest rates.

A group of 21 banks reported a combined $3.75 billion in mortgage banking income for the first quarter of 2021. While that was a modest 1.7% gain from the fourth quarter, it represented a huge 63.3% gain from the first three months of last year. (Includes data chart.)

The smart money says it’s time to buy MSRs again. Meanwhile, Texas Capital Bank tries to figure out its future.

Rates are rising and that means fewer applications. Yet, mortgage bankers and brokers are still hiring.

With refi business expected to decline later this year, a number of shops are rethinking their hiring plans. Lenders are set to face margin compression, excess capacity and consolidation.