Just how healthy is the residential mortgage business these days? Answer: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are swamped with seller/servicer applications.

Although the HARP program had record volume in the first quarter, the program is showing almost no growth, according to exclusive survey figures compiled by Inside Mortgage Finance.

The Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency says the agency needs more examiners to keep an eye on the GSEs.

House Republicans were unmoved by pleas from HUD to soften the impact of sequestration and criticized the agency for a lack of commitment to fiscal reform.

Bank of America entered into a massive buyback settlement with Fannie Mae in January, but has yet to sell any 'purchase' loans to the GSE in 2013. However, this may change soon.

It appears that Home Loan Servicing Solutions, a buyer of residential servicing rights, is making money hand-over-fist.

The Federal Housing Administration recently auctioned off $2.2 billion of nonperforming mortgages, getting about 45 cents on the dollar.

Although all of Bank of America earned $2.6 billion in the first quarter, its mortgage business lost money thanks to legacy problems. Also, it appears the bank is addicted to refis.

The final HUD regulation marks the first time the agency has made changes to the LI program, which enables high-performing lenders to insure forward mortgages without a pre-endorsement review.

CEO candidates are being approached by the Federal Housing Finance Agency to run the new single-GSE MBS platform.