University of Maryland professor Clifford Rossi says Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are discussing ways to proactively deal with risks of climate change.

With interest rates starting to rise, production income took a hit in the fourth quarter of 2021. While servicing income increased, the mortgage business was less profitable. (Includes data chart.)

Are mortgage servicing rights still a safe bet to buy? Looks that way, especially if mortgage rates keep heading north.

Negative outlook for margins; number of foreclosure starts declined in February; MBA launches affordability index; MISMO seeks participants and input on new initiatives.

Foreclosure starts increased in February; SEC to revamp cybersecurity reporting for public companies; Tradepost acquires GSF Mortgage as part of an expansion of Go Companies; Milo raises $17 million; MISMO to develop standards for eVaults.

While servicing for others among banks declined slightly in the fourth quarter, trends varied among the big boys. Top-ranked Wells continued to reduce its portfolio while second-ranked JPM was an active buyer of MSRs. (Includes data chart.)

Volatility in interest rates and the thirst for profits and liquidity have driven the recent surge in mortgage servicing sales.

The FHFA’s proposed financial standards for GSE seller/servicers could be a boon for larger firms; CFPB launches small business advisory review panel for rulemaking on automated valuation models; foreclosure starts jump; MISMO launches rate quote standard for mortgage insurance; delinquency rate on property taxes declines.

The number of loans 30-59 days delinquent in agency MBS increased during the second half of 2021. Late payments increased on FHA mortgages along with GSE loans. (Includes data chart.)

Freedom Mortgage ranked as the top bulk buyer of agency MSR in 2021, but Chase came on strong in the second half. Coissuance volume gained some share last year, led by Lakeview Loan Servicing as the top buyer.