The industry expects robust bulk MSR trading during the first quarter.

First American stressed that all funds associated with the company were secure.

Lower interest rates didn't translate into higher home sales in November.

An estimated $51.0 billion of closed-end second liens and home equity lines of credit were originated in the third quarter.

“These attacks are prevalent, continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, and are increasingly difficult to detect,” First American cautioned in a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A growing number of homeowners are looking to sell as interest rates decline.

Banks and thrifts sold $97.37 billion of mortgages during the quarter. Trends varied among the largest banks, with Chase increasing loan sales while U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo sharply reduced their activity. (Includes two data tables.)

The GSEs and FHA should publish daily rate sheets with disclosures on interest rates for mortgages locked the previous day, according to analysts at the Urban Institute. The analysts likened their proposal to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price seen for cars and books.

Lower interest rates have been particularly impactful in the market for new homes; MBA projects a mild recession in the first half of 2024; new MISMO working group initiated by the GSEs; technology for closing disclosure forms.

Securitization rates increased for GSE-eligible loans, government-insured mortgages and non-agency mortgages. While bank demand for jumbos is declining, the vast majority of the loans don’t go into MBS. (Includes data table.)