Public ownership isn’t for everyone. Just ask FHA-direct giant Freedom Mortgage of Mt. Laurel, NJ.

Thanks to high forbearance readings and escalating delinquencies, Wells Fargo is once again playing the Ginnie buyout game. It’s not alone.

According to FHA Neighborhood Watch, serious delinquencies have increased from 10.4% to 11.2%.

Some of the top aggregators of government-insured correspondent loans pulled back from the market in the second quarter. Retail production grew to 56.5% of FHA/VA lending. (Includes data chart.)

The outlook for HECM lending remains positive as rates remain low and seniors move to tap home equity during these troubled economic times. (Includes data chart.)

Freedom Mortgage remained the top FHA lender at the midway point in 2020 as several of its competitors pulled back from the market. The nonbank extended its lead in the VA sector. (Includes three data charts.)

Thanks to strong cash prices paid by FHA/VA aggregators, fewer mortgage firms are seeking their Ginnie “eagles.”

Soon after the government’s fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, the annual audit of the FHA’s MMIF will be published. Should HUD be worried?

Ginnie Mae recently changed pooling practices tied to the buyout of delinquent mortgages from its MBS.