Despite the vocal support of progressives, especially advocates of principal reduction of GSE-held loans, Rep. Watt’s nomination to head FHFA is far from a sure thing.

According to industry sources, the FHA recently sent out administrative letters to a handful of residential lenders. Meanwhile, yet another new subprime originator has emerged.

John Robbins is out at Bexil American Mortgage. Meanwhile, EverBank readies its second jumbo MBS deal of the year.

The Senate Banking Committee has yet to schedule a confirmation hearing for Mel Watt to head FHFA. Does this lack of action mean anything?

Is Ralph Nader in bed with hedge funds over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Mortgage banking can make strange bed fellows.

Will CitiMortgage be an even greater player in jumbo lending with its new CEO?

New York State may be among the worst in the nation when it comes to approving loan officer applications.

Sen. Harry Reid is vowing that CFPB director Richard Cordray will get another vote in the Senate.

Progressives and other “Dump DeMarco” advocates are looking to a “Plan B” to replace the current acting head should Rep. Mel Watt’s nomination be significantly prolonged or even stall.

Jeffrey Walker, the new head of residential retail for SunTrust, has worked for such lenders as CitiMortgage and Wells Fargo.