Mortgage Net Branches Back?

Mortgage Daily, Aug. 22, 2018Net branches are a structure that’s long been abandoned as a result of regulatory scrutiny. But one mortgage banking firm is making a go of it again with some huge incentives.

Mortgage Defaults Improved but Originations Still Down from Crisis

National Mortgage News, Aug. 22, 2018–Elina Tarkazikis (subscription)Better consumer credit quality helped push the serious mortgage delinquency rate to its lowest level since the Great Recession, but originations remain low due to a combination of tighter underwriting standards and eroding homebuyer affordability, according to TransUnion.

They’re Baaaack: Big Banks Flexing their Lobbying Muscle

American Banker, Aug. 22, 2018–Victoria Finkle (subscription)Congress checked regulatory relief off its list earlier this year, delivering key reforms to community and regional banks. But now, attention in Washington is beginning to shift to another segment of the industry known more perennially for its lobbying prowess.

Freddie Securitizing Re-Performing Mortgages

Mortgage Daily, Aug. 22, 2018More than a billion dollars in single-family loans that were previously non-performing are being moved from Freddie Mac’s balance sheet to a securitized trust.

Fed Minutes Offer Glimpse of Outlook for Second Half

Wall Street Journal, Aug. 22, 2018–Nick Timiraos (subscription)Fed officials held steady their benchmark federal-funds rate in a range between 1.75% and 2% and described the economy as strong in their postmeeting statement.

Q2 Commercial and Multifamily Originations Up

National Mortgage Professional, Aug. 21, 2018–Phil Hall Commercial and multifamily mortgage originations during the second quarter were up by 4 percent higher from a year ago and were up 32 percent from the first quarter, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.