When it comes to mortgage-related M&A, 2019 was a bust, right? Well, not exactly. As for 2020, company sales will hinge on rates and loan production. Will weaker players be forced to exit?
No rate hikes in 2020? A totally “neutral” Fed? We’ll see about that. Meanwhile, non-QM lenders Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions and Citadel Servicing have bulls in their eyes.
Purchase-mortgage production is seen steady while refi activity is expected to decline. Low refi demand will cut into lenders’ profit margins. (Includes data chart.)
The industry increased profits on the production side of the aisle by pushing a higher volume of business through their platforms, reducing per-loan costs for personnel, occupancy and technology. (Includes data chart.)
Nonbank mortgage lenders and depositories live in a different world. Right? Yes and no. Inside Mortgage Trends ranks the top 20 home lenders by institution type. (Includes two data charts.)
Some lenders that were looking to throw in the towel after a rough first quarter experienced strong originations and returned to profitability as interest rates fell, putting the brakes on M&A activity.
The Federal Reserve cut rates by 25 basis points this week, assuring mortgage lenders strong operating conditions in the months ahead. Still, the production outlook is a bit darker for 2020.
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