Commercial banks and savings institutions increased the amount of mortgage servicing they handle for other entities in the fourth quarter of 2022, although valuations for the asset declined. (Includes data chart.)

NYCB closes Flagstar’s non-bank branches; FHA offers new incentives for servicers; home prices decline again in November; MBA writes to FHFA on the cost of doing business with the GSEs; new products aimed at newly-constructed homes; MISMO offers loan limit tool.

More than $1 trillion of agency servicing rights changed hands in 2022. While bulk MSR transfers soared last year, the coissuance market was hammered by the sharp decline in agency business. (Includes three data charts.)

The delinquency rate on loans in agency MBS increased gradually between March and September, then spiked during the fourth quarter. (Includes data chart.)

Last year was a barn-burner for MSR sales. But so many nonbanks need to sell this year that too much supply has resulted in weaker pricing. What’s a mortgage banker to do?

Officials at the bank suggest Wells won’t take much of a hit from the loss of correspondent production. And profitability on the servicing side is expected to improve as the portfolio shrinks.

Fannie and Freddie will institute their own models for assessing the values of MSRs held by seller/servicers, even if those MSRs are for mortgages not owned or guaranteed by the GSEs.

GSEs revise loan-level pricing adjustments; FHFA cuts UMBS comingling fee; UWM gives brokers pricing flexibility; foreclosures more than double; loanDepot to use Black Knight’s loan origination system; Lower offers white-label mortgage platform; Blend continues right-sizing.

The year just closed was a barn-burner for bulk auctions of servicing rights. As for 2023, sales could be brisk but pricing will likely disappoint.

Banks and thrifts continued to see more value in their mortgage servicing rights in the third quarter, while their portfolios increased only slightly. (Includes data chart.)