Sprout Mortgage, the third-ranked expanded-credit lender in 2019, has restarted non-QM lending, but with tighter underwriting standards.

The types of mortgages included in expanded-credit MBS changed somewhat during the first quarter of 2020, even before COVID-19 hit. (Includes three data charts.)

Annaly’s investments in non-agency assets fell by 33% between the end of 2019 and March 31. The REIT sold some of its holdings and issued two non-agency MBS during the first quarter.

The CFPB likely will propose revisions to QM standards in May. Feedback from non-agency participants could be minimized as the market for non-QMs collapsed recently.

Redwood MBS could be downgraded due to stop-advance feature; Moody’s assesses Finance of America Mortgage; non-QM lender PCMA signs lease for new headquarters.

A handful of lenders continue to originate non-qualified mortgages while the major players in the market pause production.

Delinquencies on non-agency mortgages are likely to increase due to the coronavirus, with the largest impact expected on non-QMs.

Velocity Financial was increasing originations and income, then the coronavirus hit, halting issuance of a planned MBS and prompting the need for additional capital.

Investments in non-agency assets were offloaded by Annaly and MFA. Some of the loans sold by MFA were likely meant for a non-QM MBS that didn’t close in March.

The major producers of non-QMs suspended originations in March and, with the market paused, layoffs have started.