Origination

People who lack a credit or work history in the United States may have trouble getting a mortgage under the new qualified-mortgage rule, bankers say. A number of immigrants are self-employed, which makes it even harder to qualify.

But be aware of the business and regulatory risks associated with closing loans in your own name.

JPMorgan Chase said Friday it significantly downsized its mortgage operations while increasing the price on high loan-to-value loans to reflect higher default and servicing costs.

Wells Fargo posted a 14% rise in first-quarter earnings as fewer customers missed loan payments.

JPMorgan Chase said first-quarter profit fell 19% on lower revenue from fixed-income trading and mortgages, themes that may be repeated across Wall Street next week.

Mortgage lenders are retooling their approach to customer acquisition to increase business in a purchase-driven market.

Mortgage rates fell for the first time in three weeks, Freddie Mac said.

Commissioner Carole Galante says the Federal Housing Administration's insurance fund must be strengthened before insurance premiums can be reduced, but outlined alternatives to improve credit availability.

Jose Gonzalez, the first Hispanic president of a Federal Home Loan Bank, envisions eventually allowing new categories of lenders like REITs to join the system, but wants membership to stay as it is for now.

There is only one week remaining to submit a nomination for the 2014 Mortgage Technology Top 50 Service Providers.

The final deadline for nominations is 6 p.m. EDT Thursday, April 17, 2014.