Finance of America recently posted a huge 4Q21 loss and saw its president depart. Challenges remain, to say the least.

When originations sag, one solution is to add new products, nonprime or otherwise. At least that’s what UWM did this week. Will it work?

Nonbank lenders discovered the non-agency jumbo market and helped drive production to a record $613 billion last year. The conforming-jumbo market fell sharply in the fourth quarter as lenders gamed the annual loan-limit adjustment. (Includes three data charts.)

Fix-and-flip shops are in vogue these days but pricey to buy. Still, Rice Park has big acquisition plans. Can it execute?

The first quarter ends in a few weeks and so far no top-ranked lenders have announced plans to sell. Is it just a matter of time or is something else afoot?

Non-agency mortgages for investment properties are increasing thanks to volatility in GSE pricing and lenient underwriting standards. Volume could take a hit as interest rates increase.

Loan originators hurting for business as GSE refis decline should consider non-QMs, according to industry participants. Some major lenders are expecting non-agency lending to jump this year.

It should be a banner year for mergers and acquisitions in the residential finance space. Already, two deals have been announced, with more likely to follow.

loanDepot’s founder is busy buying luxury homes these days. In a few weeks we’ll know how well the company did in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, non-agency MBS production remains brisk.

What will separate the men from the boys and the women from the girls in 2022? Purchase-lending and non-QMs. At least that’s what some executives we spoke to believe.