Bond investing giant Pacific Investment Management Co. once again has its ears open for potential acquisitions in the residential finance space, including mortgage franchises or “assets,” according to investment bankers and sources close to the company. These officials, who spoke under the condition their names not be used, identified a handful of acquisitions that have been presented to PIMCO, including a nonbank based in the Charlotte, NC, area. As Inside Mortgage Finance went to press this week PIMCO – and the target acquisition – could not be reached for comment. As a technical matter, the investments are being made...

In the new “Mortgage Professional’s Handbook,” residential finance technology expert Jeff Lebowitz predicts the industry “is about to exit its Victorian era of technology use."

Bid deadlines on the portfolios being offered by MountainView range from March 3 to March 8.

One of those GSE watchers is Bose George of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, who told us: “I see no reason for the administration to negotiate in any meaningful way with the plaintiffs..."

Impac sold a large block of MSRs in 4Q, which boosted profits.

Although residential originations fell by roughly 15 percent in the fourth quarter on a sequential basis, warehouse lenders saw their commitments inch up slightly, according to new figures compiled by Inside Mortgage Finance. At Dec. 31, warehouse banks had extended an estimated $49.0 billion of commitments to non-depository lenders, a 2.1 percent sequential gain. Compared to yearend 2014, commitment levels rose a handsome 28.9 percent. Part of the reason for the increase in activity – especially year-over-year – can be explained...[Includes one data table]

RPM Mortgage has acquisitions on its mind once again and could be an aggressive buyer of other lending shops this year, according to industry advisors – if only falling interest rates didn’t get in the company’s way. It was originally thought that 2016 could be a robust year for mortgage mergers-and-acquisitions activity, but tumbling interest rates are making some owners think twice about selling – or getting picky about what they’re willing to take. For buyers, the best time to pounce is...

Declining interest rates are making some bidders think long and hard about MSR pricing...

Rates are still falling, but MSR packages continue to hit the auction block...

In the fourth quarter, IMA sold $30 billion of mortgage servicing rights for its clients...