Secondary

Both quasi-public mortgage investors have new requirements for when borrowers question valuations. Freddie Mac is expanding use of title insurance alternatives.

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.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency rule originally proposed last year aims to make it tougher to roll back measures designed to encourage more equitable lending.

The Biden Administration's title waiver pilot has started a broader discussion on whether the product is worth the money paid or even needed at all and can be replaced by an alternative.

Elevated delinquency levels have not affected expected losses, however, due to home price appreciation, Fitch Ratings said.

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.