Originations at the two big banks increased by around 7% on a quarterly basis in the fourth quarter.

The analysts said only legislation by Congress can address the government guarantee currently applied to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

No longer is it a given that the Federal Reserve will cut short-term rates twice this year. And the 10-year Treasury rate is elevated.

A coalition of 23 housing groups offered an enthusiastic endorsement of Scott Turner as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Rate-term refis helped to drive up residential MBS issuance in the fourth quarter.

Nick Bhargava, co-founder and executive vice president of regulatory affairs at Groundfloor Financing, said the current lack of affordable housing inventory has caused real estate investors to look to fix and flip more properties.

The CFPB suggested that First Street Foundation does a better job of identifying flood risk than the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Deliveries of rate-term refinances into agency MBS declined by almost 40% on a monthly basis in December.

Property insurance costs are expected to increase due to the LA-area fires.

The nomination hearing for Scott Turner to lead HUD is scheduled for Jan. 16.