Mortgage brokers

When big banks bailed on brokers during the housing crisis, United Wholesale Mortgage doubled down. As third-party originations now make a comeback, the family-owned company is determined to chip away at retail lenders' dominance.

Despite recent industry consolidation, demand from seasonal homebuyers spurred hiring among nonbank mortgage companies for the second consecutive month in May.

Incenter Mortgage Advisors is facilitating the sale of more than $10 billion in mortgage servicing rights tied to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans originated by mortgage brokers.

Angel Oak Commercial Lending has acquired a controlling interest in lender Cherrywood Mortgage in order to strengthen its focus on small-balance commercial lending.

Seasonal hiring gave employment among nonbank mortgage lenders and brokers a boost in April and partially reversed an earlier decline despite growing signs of consolidation in the industry.

Remax Holdings is focused on "what it does best" with its Motto Mortgage business and in facing off against Zillow's new home buying and selling initiative, a company executive said.

Fannie Mae is warning mortgage lenders and servicers about possible fraud schemes in Los Angeles County involving "34 apparently fictitious employers being used on loan applications."

Although the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is loosening certain mortgage rules, others such as restrictions on loan officer compensation and state-level regulation will likely persist, according to industry attorneys.

Employment among nonbank mortgage lenders and brokers fell in March, erasing the unexpected gains in the previous month.

From first-time homebuyers and real estate referrals to digital mortgages and back office execution, here's a look at the biggest concerns and highest priorities of the country's most successful loan officers.