Mortgage originations declined by 11% in the first quarter at First Republic while Redwood increased its lock volume by 21% from the fourth quarter.

Non-agency originations of higher-priced mortgages declined by 35% on an annual basis in 2020. The higher-priced designation is a proxy federal regulators use for subprime mortgages. (Includes two data charts.)

Redwood is trying to shift blockchain from a buzzword to practical technology for the non-agency MBS market. The firm made an investment in Liquid Mortgage, a blockchain-focused startup.

After focusing on fix-and-flip lending in Connecticut for years, Sachem Capital is now lending in 10 states. The lender recently completed debt sales to fuel its growth.

CSBS scaling back proposed standards for large nonbank servicers; SFA offers disclosures for non-agency MBS performance; non-agency forbearance increases; non-agency mortgage conduit launches; Redwood invests in finance company involved in SFR/bridge lending; PCMA expanding geographically.

A rise in purchase-mortgage lending this year won't offset deflated refi volume ...

After complaints from MBS investors regarding the reporting of performance of loans in non-agency deals, the Structured Finance Association released voluntary standards that could address the issue.

PR Mortgage Investment is set to issue its first jumbo MBS and Bayview Asset Management revised its strategy for the sector.

Enjoy it while it lasts: Nonbank lender/servicers declaring dividends.

After pushback from large nonbank servicers, state examiners will revise pro-posed regulatory standards. Eight large servicers catch a break on stringency.