While agency MBS trading typically slows towards the end of the year, the average daily volume of trades in December 2022 was the lowest on record since the beginning of 2020. Banks are showing weak demand for the securities.
The FHFA will significantly reduce a controversial fee for comingled securities in UMBS; no consistent trend in delinquencies and losses across MBS and ABS in December; term SOFR not an option as GSEs leave LIBOR behind.
Wells Fargo is no longer in love with the mortgage business. We all know that, but is the bank contemplating large-scale sales of its massive MSR portfolio? Not likely.
If the largest servicer of HECMs couldn’t handle the financial burden posed by mandatory buyouts of the loans, what hope is there for others? FHA is being urged to make changes to HECM policies. (Includes data chart.)
A proposal to streamline servicing and claim requirements for FHA mortgages is in the works, along with expanded loss-mitigation options for VA servicers. VA also plans to issue a final rule on cash-out refis.
Outlook for Wells’ participation in FHA market unclear; Biden signs legislation to improve VA appraisals; MBA calls for higher fee on mortgage assumptions; VA revises forms; FHA hosting webinar on quality assurance; Rural Housing Service updates program guidelines.