While banks have put an emphasis on originating jumbo mortgages for portfolio, the uptick in total mortgages outstanding was largely driven by originations of agency mortgages.

Two Harbors' recent move to gain access to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines through an insurance affiliate “will add a dedicated funding source for Two Harbors, and while limitations and restrictions will apply, it should alleviate some market concern regarding the potential for declining liquidity in the repo market.”

The new requirements become effective for FHA case numbers assigned on or after March 11, 2014. Comments are due by Feb. 10, 2014.

Ratings on servicer advance asset-backed securities issued by Home Loan Servicing Solutions and Nationstar Mortgage could be downgraded due to a change in rating criteria by Standard & Poor’s that was implemented after the ABS were issued.

In the latest year-end closeout of buyback deals before the ball drops on 2013, Flagstar Bancorp announced late Monday that it has entered into an agreement with Freddie Mac to “resolve substantially” claims that the bank sold faulty mortgage loans to the GSE between 2000 and 2008.

Fannie Mae announced Monday morning it has reached a $591 million agreement with Wells Fargo to resolve repurchase requests on certain loans originated prior to 2009.

Year-over-year through October 2013, the CoreLogic House Price Index appreciated more than 12 percent nationwide, with prices nationally now 16 percent above the low in the fourth quarter 2011, according to CoreLogic’s December MarketPulse report released Monday.

At September 30, Flagstar had capitalized the MSRs on its balance sheet at 107 basis points.

What's ahead for residential lenders and servicers in 2014? You might be surprised at some of our predictions. Hint: The servicing market looks good, at least.

Ginnie Mae chief Ted Tozer noted: “We want aggressive outreach to find out what the issues are. If they aren’t issuing, we want to know why."