Locks declined in June but, when controlling for the difference in business days compared with May, the decline vanishes; Fitch downgraded its long-term issuer default rating on Finance of America Companies to C; talent management topped cost cutting in Fannie’s latest survey of mortgage execs’ priorities; MISMO forms group focused on AI.

Some MSR buyers would rather focus on acquiring volume and leave the servicing duties to someone else. Subservicers are happy to provide the service, touting cost savings and innovations.

One way lenders can make homes more affordable is to combine the GSEs’ low-downpayment programs with other tools that reduce downpayment and closing costs.

Although public companies reported solid gains in both production and servicing income in the first quarter, a significant number of smaller shops continued to struggle. (Includes data tables.)

The mortgage giant itemizes the sources of the increased cost of loan origination, then pitches the technological tools embedded in its underwriting system as a potential remedy.

Fee cures caused by TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure violations are one cost-cutting area lenders should consider when looking to save money in today's low origination volume environment, according to a new whitepaper by ICE Mortgage Technologies.

The Federal Reserve, FHFA, large banks and the GSEs are all struggling to model the future impact of climate change, both on their specific businesses and on the broader economy.

Philadelphia-based Republic Bank focused its mortgage production on jumbos with below-market rates. The bank also held agency MBS that lost value as interest rates increased.

A recent Fannie Mae study found that lenders are concerned about the lack of competition and rising prices of technology service providers’ solutions in the mortgage industry.

PennyMac booked a weak increase in servicing income due to a large loss tied to hedges for MSRs; First American’s CEO doesn’t expect the CFPB’s effort on lender’s title insurance to change much.