But there’s also a dark side to the rate plunge: The servicing side of the mortgage business is looking at mark-to-market bloodbaths that could be the norm if rates don’t snap back by the end of the current quarter.

“Mortgage originators are looking at record earnings for the first quarter,” said Chuck Klein, managing director of Mortgage Banking Solutions, Austin, TX, a consulting firm engaged in warehouse reviews and M&A activity.

Suddenly, lenders are talking about capacity issues...

It is rare for Republicans, who have been critical of the bureau’s regulatory actions in the past, to praise the work of the consumer regulator.

For the year banks and thrifts earned $13.54 billion from mortgage banking, a 14.2% decline from 2018.

Important lessons learned this week: What goes up, must come down; mortgage rates don't always track the 10-year Treasury; stock speculation (Fannie/Freddie) is not for the faint of heart...

Steve Harris, president of MIAC Capital Markets, New York, was particularly vocal in his summation: “Sell now or have your asset vaporize.”

At Dec. 31, the bond offered a yield of 1.92%, or 68 basis points higher, a significant difference.

Ocwen is losing a big subservicing contract with REIT New Residential but isn't worried about the development because the contract was unprofitable in the fourth quarter...

Net income at Mr. Cooper was aided in a major way by a $285 million recovery tied to deferred tax assets. Meanwhile, on the origination front, the company funded $12.6 billion in product during 4Q19, up 5.8% from 3Q19.