Originations

Morgan Stanley agreed to pay $1.25 billion to settle a U.S. regulator’s claims that the investment bank sold faulty mortgage-backed securities to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

There were 11 of the 17 Mortgage Industry Equity Composite members which closed higher.

Profits from flipping houses surged last year, but if prices stabilize as expected, this activity could level off.

A lender promises to be “ready to close" loans within 15 business days of receiving an appraisal—a far cry from where the mortgage industry once imagined it was heading.

Signs of a strong housing market are evident in Nassau and Suffolk County, N.Y., with foreclosure sales and months of available housing inventory both low.

But this group is also concerned about a lack of properties for sale and rising mortgage rates.

An executive says lenders can ease up now that putback risk has been reduced.

Refinances will make up just 38% of single-family originations this year—down from 60% in 2013 and 70% in 2012, according to Freddie Mac.

He also calls for a cut in fees for title policies, but no one can find where it is in the budget.

ALTA's guidelines have a number of implications for mortgage lenders.

Freddie Mac’s regulator capped its multifamily production at $26 billion last year.

The sequestration and political wrangling last year meant fewer direct RHS mortgages last year, while the safety of the federal eagle on guaranteed loans appealed to lenders.

There are five Mortgage Industry Equity Composite members which closed 4% or more lower than they did on Jan. 31.

The price the bank had to pay related to Countrywide mortgage fraud claims escalated over time, exemplifying the government’s willingness to seek draconian penalties against banks it deems acted intentionally.

A little-noticed charge taken by Regions Financial in the fourth quarter may portend that other banks have not been adequately reserving for modified home loans, known as troubled debt restructurings.

The positive trend will continue through 2016 as originations in those categories increase to $333 billion, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Nonbank mortgage lenders likely increased their market share during 4Q, KBW analysts say.

Mortgage businesses can continue to thrive even while interest rates are up and applications are down.

The new name is easy to remember and not an acronym.

Foreclosure starts ended the year at the lowest level since April 2007 and pipelines are clearing in most states.