The Fannie-BofA squabble was tied to repurchase claims surrounding the bank’s legacy book of business, largely involving loans produced by Countrywide Financial and Merrill Lynch.

Surprise: Two Harbors is preparing a new jumbo MBS deal. It looks like the bond will be issued in early August...

Or perhaps the FHA is concerned that the private mortgage insurance industry will continue to gain market share at its expense?

A signing bonus for an LO sounds nice, but keep in mind that a lender has to find a way to pay for that bonus, which could result in an increase in pricing.

On the residential side, the top hire was David Firestone, who carries the title of vice president of financial operations.

Did someone really pay a $300,000 signing bonuses to a new LO?

Lenders are being careful about costs, but rising loan volumes could force some firms to hire, at least a little bit.

So, you doubt our 2Q origination estimate? Here’s what an executive from a top-five warehouse bank told us: “We’re experiencing a significant pick up in outstandings."

Will loan production in the second half surprise the naysayers? Will non-QM lending take off? Stay tuned...

In case you haven’t noticed, many mortgage stocks are trading much closer to their 52-week lows than their highs.