Delinquencies on non-QMs increase again; Altisource hires COO for non-agency effort; DBRS adds Verity Global Solutions as an acceptable due-diligence provider.

Expanded-credit MBS issuance declined by nearly 50% in the fourth quarter compared with the previous quarter. Prime MBS issuance fared even worse, essentially freezing during the final months of the year. (Includes data chart.)

Non-agency MBS issuance perked up in early January as investor demand improved. Redwood Trust offered a jumbo MBS after a year-long lull in issuance and expanded-credit MBS issuers priced deals at tightening spreads.

The impairment rate on securitized non-QMs posted its largest one-month jump in November since the early days of the pandemic. Hurricane Ian was a factor.

In October, new standards for qualified mortgages took effect. It turns out that a provision in the final rule also applies to non-QMs, which could limit originations of loans where lenders look at only a small number of a borrower’s bank statements.

Redwood raises funds through sale of preferred stock; lender focusing on non-QMs has national aspirations; new DSCR tool for borrowers.

A recent ruling by a California appeals court tied to default interest charges by lenders and servicers could have national implications, according to industry attorneys.

Yes, expanded-credit mortgage originations fell sharply in the third quarter as nonbank lenders faced parched conditions in the MBS market. But ECM is the only mortgage sector where 2022 volume is running ahead of last year's pace. (Includes data chart.)

If lenders want to set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive purchase market, they will have to become experts in the non-QM space, according to officials at Deephaven Mortgage.

Nonprime servicing portfolios increased by 1.7% in the third quarter and 7.5% year-over-year. Only three of the top-10 players in the sector saw volumes decline from the second to the third quarter. (Includes data chart.