Servicing

At least three firms bid on MetLife's $70 billion portfolio of mortgage servicing rights.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Richard Cordray, installed by Persident Obama in January without Senate confirmation, is expected to hold office at least until his recess appointment expires at the end of 2013, no matter the election victor.

Bond prices are improving due to the federal government purchasing mortgage-backed securities, which keeps interest rates low.

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.