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.

Expanded-credit MBS issuance declined by nearly 50% in the fourth quarter compared with the previous quarter. Prime MBS issuance fared even worse, essentially freezing during the final months of the year. (Includes data chart.)

Wells Fargo was a major player in the jumbo correspondent channel, with a nearly 20% market share. A handful of banks have a strong presence in this category, while nonbank competitors have faced hurdles.

Non-agency MBS issuance perked up in early January as investor demand improved. Redwood Trust offered a jumbo MBS after a year-long lull in issuance and expanded-credit MBS issuers priced deals at tightening spreads.

The impairment rate on securitized non-QMs posted its largest one-month jump in November since the early days of the pandemic. Hurricane Ian was a factor.

Going forward, the FHFA will seek public comments when the GSEs are looking to launch new activities or products. There are also some broad exceptions to the public notice standard.

In October, new standards for qualified mortgages took effect. It turns out that a provision in the final rule also applies to non-QMs, which could limit originations of loans where lenders look at only a small number of a borrower’s bank statements.

Efforts by the MBA and other industry participants to get the California Supreme Court to overturn a lower court’s ruling failed near the end of December. Servicers in the state are now limited on the amount default interest they can charge.