Among the banks reporting that the rules had no effect on their approval rates, half indicated that lending policies would have been tighter without the safe harbor for mortgages that pass the GSEs’ automated underwriting models.

Another concern was that out-of-state call center lenders might not know the local lending laws, which can result in delayed closings.

“I’m wondering how many people buy homes outside of buying them with cash,” Ryan said during the webinar. “To me it’s that serious.”

Investors Unite now boasts almost 1,000 members, which include both common and preferred stakeholders in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

An agency spokesman told IMFnews that as a “general matter” the CFPB considers transfers significant if they involve at least 5,000 loans.

A big deal or ho-hum: Fannie Mae in late July said it will allow for shorter waiting periods involving mortgage debt charge-off accounts and mortgage debt that is discharged through a bankruptcy.

Ocwen received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission and another subpoena from the SEC appears to be on the way.

SIFMA's call for higher guaranty fees might sound like heresy in the mortgage industry, but the trade group clearly wants the non-agency market to revive.

The notion of a common pass-through MBS issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was formally put in play this week, as the Federal Housing Finance Agency solicited comment on a proposed “single security” for the two government-sponsored enterprises. The Mortgage Bankers Association has been pushing the concept for several years, and it made it onto the FHFA’s formal agenda for the GSEs in 2014. Proponents say it would improve liquidity in the market and level out Freddie’s pricing disadvantage. Under the FHFA proposal, the new common MBS would adopt...

Potential investors in non-agency MBS are calling for significant changes to the market before they’re willing to resume investing in new non-agency MBS. Non-agency MBS issuers indicate that they are willing to make some changes to attract investors, while other adjustments will require action by federal regulators or Congress. In June, the Treasury Department requested comments on how to increase non-agency activity and decrease the agency MBS share of mortgage financing. The comment period closed late last week, with about 25 industry participants submitting feedback. John Gidman, president of the Association of Institutional Investors, said...