Originations

Fraud experts are concerned that credit washing, in which borrowers make false claims about being victims of identity theft, is making its way into mortgages from other forms of lending.

But company officials warned slimmer margins and a slowing market would lead to staff reductions.

The March estimates for payrolls of nonbanks involved in home lending confirm widespread anecdotal reports of industry layoffs, but strength in broader financial-services hiring could pick up the slack.

The servicing segment's pretax income was almost 80% higher than the fourth quarter, offsetting a more than 90% decline for the production business.

Home sales usually pick up in the spring, but Zillow's outlook indicates that higher mortgage rates and low inventory of for-sale homes will finally slow activity.

The moves were widely anticipated, with the markets already pricing them in, as the central bank attempts to get the upper hand on record-setting inflation.

Purchase numbers came in higher for both conventional and government activity, while the average loan amount shows signs of easing.

However, originators selling loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will have almost 10 months before the Supplemental Consumer Information is required.

While first-quarter profits were up considerably, CEO Michael Nierenberg said the company will offer more products to counter market conditions that are “only going to get worse.”

The transaction is expected to keep revenues flat at the company at a time when mortgage origination volume is shrinking.