It had to happen eventually: The sale of bulk MSR portfolios has lessened noticeably in the fourth quarter, with some buyers actively low-balling their bids. And if rates fall to 5.5% next year, as some predict, the days of asset markups will be in the rearview.

Some of the nation's largest direct-to-consumer lenders are taking a peek at FoA’s retail network to see if they can pick up some ancillary locations. FoA is in the midst of a massive and costly restructuring brought on by the production downturn.

Not a total surprise, but the central bank hiked short-term rates by 75 basis points this week. Mortgage rates hardly budged but residential finance professionals are worried about the quarters ahead. Meanwhile, more lenders are heading for the exits.

Mr. Cooper posted a respectable profit for the third quarter, but challenges remain. Behind the scenes, this top-10-ranked shop has been both buying and selling bulk mortgage servicing rights.

It’s been tough sledding for Finance of America this year but it has plenty of company. Then again, the shop is under extra scrutiny since it was once the property of The Blackstone Group.

The tide has turned somewhat in the servicing market — it’s a great time to be a buyer, depending on who you talk to. Meet Marlin Mortgage Capital.

Rushmore Loan Management is exiting the servicing arena but details are light regarding who might control its multi-billion-dollar MSR portfolio. For now, management isn’t saying a word.

Rising rates are putting pressure on both lenders and borrowers. Meanwhile, with originations constrained consolidations should increase.

There have been plenty of “asset” sales by mortgage firms this year —  MSRs, for instance — but not “whole” company transactions. Is the bell about to ring?

Intercontinental Exchange’s attempt to acquire Black Knight has been attacked by regulators, shareholders and mortgage lender trade groups. In other words, it remains to be seen if the deal will get done.