So, what’s the biggest impediment to mortgage volumes taking off this spring? According to a new poll from Inside Mortgage Finance, it’s a lack of housing inventory.

The new survey of more than 2,000 real estate agents found that respondents recommend specific mortgage providers for 59 percent of their homebuyer transactions.

Sources contend that three other top executives also have left Nationstar Mortgage. At press time, Nationstar’s media department had not returned telephone calls and emails on the matter.

Real estate agents are more likely to recommend lenders that provide reliable preapprovals to potential homebuyers, according to a survey conducted by Campbell Surveys and sponsored by Inside Mortgage Finance. Positive interactions with real estate agents could help lenders boost business as the market has shifted toward purchase mortgages from refinances. “Real estate agents frequently recommend mortgage providers, and homebuyers frequently accept these recommendations,” said Tom Popik, research director of Campbell Surveys. The new survey of more than 2,000 real estate agents found...

“I think Nationstar is going through the pain and agony of the production decline,” said one advisor familiar with the company.

In case you didn’t notice, the price of Fannie and Freddie common rose about 5 percent Tuesday, after Watt spoke. In trading Wednesday, they were up again...

On the M&A front, a new report from Compass Point Research & Trading estimates that if PHH Corp. finds a way to sell its mortgage and fleet divisions, the stock should be worth $30 a share.

A somewhat large Midwestern-based nonbank is now entertaining takeover bids. A deal could happen within 90 days, IMFnews has learned. Stay tuned…

One REIT manager suggested that in time FHFA Director Mel Watt may move to eliminate the captive insurer/FHLB “loophole”…

Fannie Mae reported nice guaranty fee income in first quarter, but as one former GSE executive told us: “Their expenses are out of control.”