Repurchases were up in the fourth quarter of 2020, with Freddie still representing a disproportionate share of the action. Most claims are resolved without a buyback. (Includes three data charts.)

Banks reported $22.5 billion in mortgage banking income in 2020, according to call reports. Long-time industry leader Wells Fargo had a rough ride. (Includes data chart.)

Industry participants suggest that technology and communication can help the closing process run smoothly. Hybrid closings have cut the time a borrower spends with a notary from 45 minutes to 15 minutes.

With forbearance rates stagnant since November and payment holidays scheduled to end in the coming months, foreclosures are expected. Still, loss mitigation and home price appreciation could dull the impact.

In an attempt to outbid two private equity firms, CoStar Group raised its offer price for mortgage data vendor CoreLogic to $95.76 a share.

In a highly digitized business environment, fraud and cybersecurity risk are increasingly becoming a cause of concern for mortgage lenders.

Mortgage lenders, especially nonbanks, aren’t making loans to minority homebuyers in one of New York’s largest cities.

The company, which buys and sells homes directly, cautioned that it may not have sufficient cash flow from its businesses to pay down its substantial debt.

The correspondent production channel boosted its share of loans delivered into agency MBS during the fourth quarter, but not enough to regain its former glory. (Includes two data charts.)

Most publicly held banks reported substantial declines in mortgage banking income in the fourth quarter. But earnings for the full year were stellar, up about 78% from 2019. (Includes data chart.)