Trump Team Signals It Will Oust CFPB’s Cordray

National Mortgage News, Jan. 12, 2017–McKendry, Ian; Berry, Kate
Although Richard Cordray has a term that stretches until July 2018, Trump interviewed former Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Texas, for the CFPB spot on Wednesday, senior Trump spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on a conference call.

Ocwen Helps 75,000 Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure in 2016

National Mortgage Professional, Jan. 12, 2017
Modification programs include both the Department of the Treasury Home Affordable Modification Program, as well as proprietary modifications for those homeowners who did not qualify for a HAMP modification.

Ted Tozer, Steward of Ginnie Mae for 7 Years, Departing

National Mortgage News, Jan. 13, 2017–Passy, Jacob
As president of the secondary marketing agency, Tozer has helped the mortgage market to continue functioning and keep up with changes following the financial crisis. The incoming Trump administration has not yet picked a successor.

Bankers Cry Foul Over CFPB’s Five-Star Complaint Rating System

National Mortgage News, Jan. 13, 2017–Berry, Kate
Bankers are trying to stop the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from allowing consumers to rank how companies handle complaints on a one- to five-star scale and to publish narratives of consumer experiences in an online public database.

Moody’s Pays $864 Million to U.S., States over Pre-Crisis Ratings

Reuters, Jan. 14, 2017
The credit rating agency reached the deal with the Justice Department, 21 states and the District of Columbia, resolving allegations that the firm contributed to the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, the Justice department said in a statement.

Premium Reduction May Give FHA Competitive Edge Over GSEs

National Mortgage News, Jan. 13, 2017–Collins, Brian
The Federal Housing Administration program could see a $50 billion increase in single-family loan endorsements this year if a planned 25-basis-point annual premium cut goes into effect on Jan. 27.

Legacy Foreclosures Hide Mortgage Successes

OurBroker.com, Jan. 16, 2017–Miller, Peter G.
The latest foreclosure numbers understate some very good real estate news. First, the 2016 foreclosure figures wildly overstate the current condition of the real estate marketplace. It’s much better than the numbers suggest,

MSRs Being Auctioned on $1.4 Billion in GSE Loans

Mortgage Daily, Jan. 13, 2017
Mortgage servicing rights on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1.45 billion are being offered for sale.

Trump’s Plan for Looser Housing Rules Likely to Include Mortgage Changes

Washington Examiner, Jan. 17, 2017–Lawler, Joseph
HUD Secretary nominee Ben Carson’s comments last week that burdensome regulatory and legal actions over the past five-plus years has left banks reluctant to extend credit was “helpful,” said MBA President and CEO David Stevens.