Servicing

Freddie Mac began offering the deals last year with the goal of sharing more risk with the private sector at the direction of its regulator.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development reached settlements with Bank of America and mortgage banking firm James B. Nutter & Co. over allegations that the lenders failed to perform due diligence in underwriting Home Equity Conversion Mortgage loans.

There's been froth in the U.S. housing markets in recent years. But a drop in activity this year means a bubble won't be a problem for 2014.

The lender can experience problems selling a loan that loses qualified mortgage rule's protection. The lender also could be stuck in a vulnerable position if that loan ultimately defaults.

Rising home prices have emboldened some lenders to search for remaining underwater borrowers who have not refinanced. Wishful thinking? Maybe, but with home purchases scare, lenders have few other options.

PennyMac Financial Services, a mortgage banking company spun off from a distressed asset investor, announced a secondary public offering of existing shares.

The Cincinnati-based bank scored highest in foreclosure prevention. Five of the top 10 servicers were notably absent from the honorees list.

Mortgages at the nation's largest financial institutions continued to improve for the fifth consecutive quarter at the end of last year, an indication that 2013 was a steadier year for mortgage portfolios than the quakes seen following the housing crisis.

The average profit per loan fell 93% from a year earlier to $150 last quarter—the lowest since the trade group started its studies in 2008.

The largest landlords of single-family homes have formed an industry trade group at a time their impact on housing and finance faces scrutiny.