The real estate investment trust for now is focusing on managing liquidity and protecting its capital structure. Angel Oak Mortgage purchased only $62.4 million of non-QMs in the third quarter.

The business-purpose lender is “intentionally” slowing originations. No big surprise given that the non-agency market overall isn’t doing well.

Two of the deals are backed by investor debt service coverage ratio mortgages. There is also a 100% HELOC transaction in the works.

Another non-agency player assuming a defensive position is Rithm Capital. The firm has cut loan-to-value ratios and tightened underwriting.

The REIT believes the best opportunities are in business-purpose lending. But higher rates and tighter underwriting will slow originations.

The losses were driven by negative asset marks and impairment of assets related to its soon-to-be-shut mortgage originations business.

The FTHB group now accounts for 45% of all buyers, up from 37% last year.

First-time homebuyers are once again finding success in the housing market, according to a Zillow report.

Lenders’ digitization efforts have helped improve consumer experience and reduce cycle time over the past two years, but have not been effective in bringing down costs, according to Fannie Mae.

MISMO is seeking feedback on a new application threshold decision model; mortgage industry consolidation continues apace; home price appreciation continues to ease.