The enterprise was able to improve on its year-over-year number for loan purchases and earnings in the seasonally weak period, but both were down on a consecutive quarter basis.

Profits in the originations and servicing segment at Newrez drove earnings, while a possible spinoff of Rithm's mortgage operations is still seen as a "work in progress," according to company leaders.

The investment giant said its direct-to-consumer channel will offer ancillary products in preparation for any future refinance environment.

But strong g-fees, a positive credit-loss adjustment and stable home prices bolstered results despite declines in mortgage purchases to lows not seen in some time.

Real estate brokerage stocks tumbled Thursday on waning expectations for Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts, and as a disappointing earnings release raised concern about the sector's outlook.

The massive mortgage business saw a first quarter profit mitigated by nearly $300 million in hedging losses.

The nonbank's results add to other indications that the first quarter's "higher for longer" rate scenario had an upside for efficient servicing operations.

While income decreased from the fourth quarter, it accelerated on an annual basis across NVR's building and lending units.

After several quarters of slumping investment banking and trading fees, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company reported a big uptick from that division, which helped compensate for a large decline in net interest income.

The mortgage subsidiary of Hilltop Holdings posted another quarterly loss and volume slipped, but management also sees signs of optimism.