Bank portfolios of mortgage servicing for others contracted slightly during the first quarter. Also, the ratio measuring MSR fair value against the UPB serviced for others continued to drop after peaking in the third quarter of last year. (Includes data chart.)

Rocket, UWM offer low-downpayment products; CFPB finds sharp differences in loan pricing; servicing profits improve; timing for recession unclear; quantifying the refi boom; Freddie improves paystub analysis; Blend offers soft credit pulls; MISMO seeks comments on closing standards; Maxwell acquires capital markets provider; fractional homeownership.

The nonbank plans to use artificial intelligence in an effort to sharply reduce expenses from its call center operations.

Lakeview Loan Servicing dominated both the bulk and coissuance MSR transfer markets, accounting for nearly a third of first-quarter activity. (Includes three data charts.)

Total delinquencies declined in the first quarter led by the drop in early-stage defaults. However, the delinquency rate on loans 30-59 days past due still accounted for more than half of the total default rate. (Includes data chart.)

GSEs set to adopt new credit scores in late 2025; Rocket’s credit card; new president at MISMO.

Failed banks and interest rate risk; DOJ-Sterling Bank settlement; big banks boost First Republic; ICE to fight FTC over Black Knight deal; FHFA delays DTI fee; Guaranteed Rate offering fast approvals.

A mild recession is in the making for mid-2023 and the country is still woefully behind on housing supply, according to the MBA’s chief economist.

Servicing portfolios are available for purchase, including both government and conventional product. However, the market is waiting on news whether Home Point will continue to unload more of its holdings.

Mortgage companies waiting for the market to improve; some high marks on MSRs; Ishbia ready to dedicate more time to UWM; Equifax offers expanded credit reports; House approves bill to set minimum federal standards for remote online notarization; Better launches mortgage product for Amazon employees.