Servicing

Freddie Mac's third-quarter results suggest that the mortgage giant is living off the refi boom: in 3Q its secondary market acquisitions supported home purchases of 1.4 million units, but 5.6 million of refinancings.

Late-stage delinquencies total an additional two million properties and 3.6 million more units are at "immediate serious risk."

In what may be bad news for mortgage lenders, 30% of all California home buyers paid for their property with cash.

Community bankers, which are increasing their presence in residential mortgages, expect to face some tough choices on staying independent.

The Federal Housing Administration, which guarantees 20% of all new mortgages, has raised premiums and tightened credit standards in an effort to avoid asking for a taxpayer subsidy.

Congratulations, Mr. President. What's your position on bailing out the Federal Housing Administration fund?

The value of mortgage servicing rights remain at historically low levels, creating one of the best buyer's markets in the history of the business.

MetLife has been quietly trying to sell its servicing rights for nine months now.

It's the MSR sale of the century. And the century is still young.

Independent foreclosure reviews at the major banks were meant to compensate wronged homeowners and restore some faith in the integrity of mortgage servicing. Instead, the process has become mired in questions of objectivity.