Fitch Ratings warned that it could downgrade its corporate rating on Rocket following the company’s planned acquisition of Mr. Cooper. Rocket’s corporate leverage looks poised to increase.

Among servicers assessed by Fitch, Chase has one of the highest ratings.

MBA increases odds of a recession within next 12 months; new tools to verify employment, income; downpayment size increases in 2024; new proposals from MISMO; lender raises funds; Cardinal offers processing for brokers; new hire at Nationwide Mortgage Bankers.

With bids for MSRs remaining strong, Guild Mortgage sharply reduced the share of its mortgages originated with servicing retained in 2024.

For the full year, though, total bank repurchases declined to $1.02 billion, down 23.8% from 2023. (Includes data table.)

While banks’ servicing-for-others balance declined in the fourth quarter of 2024, the industry put a higher valuation on the asset. Top-ranked JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo continued to reduce their portfolios. (Includes data table.)

It might be said that Mr. Cooper has timed the servicing market perfectly. While other shops grow tired of the vicissitudes of interest rates and MSR marks, Mr. Cooper has pounced, gobbling up portfolios that have only grown in value as rates stay stubbornly high.

FICO 10 T has helped lenders approve more borrowers, according to a new report from the credit scoring firm.

Retaining servicing rights on production can provide originators a profit opportunity, if they are able to manage the business effectively.

Servicers said they believe the industry can do a better job of educating homeowners of natural disaster risks to their homes.