Loan payoffs through refinancing and the like declined during the fourth quarter while buyouts plummeted. On an annual basis, loan removals were largely flat. (Includes data chart.)

When looking at activity by rating services in 2020, the SEC found problems involving ABS and CLOs, among other issues. The regulator as usual didn’t identify the offenders.

Fannie removed some loans from its MBS early; Guaranteed Rate restructured a jumbo MBS before issuance; the GSEs are prepping separate risk- sharing transactions.

One contributor to the deal: Impac Mortgage...

Loan originators note that debt service coverage ratio loans are easier to underwrite than conforming mortgages...

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.

Officials at the REIT see good and bad in the Fed's recent moves.

NRIC is in an interesting position. It began aggressively buying mortgage servicing rights last decade...

Among a group of 21 prominent banks that have reported earnings for the fourth quarter, nearly every institution took a hit on mortgage earnings. For many, originations declined along with margins.

Potential first-time homebuyers are facing affordability issues due to elevated home price appreciation. And though home price appreciation is slowing, interest rates are set to rise.