Blend is taking steps to turn a profit after years of losses. The moves include increasing revenue per mortgage transaction and decreasing expenses through layoffs.

Mr. Cooper’s servicing portfolio is expanding while the number of employees in the nonbank’s call center is declining. Investment in technology is helping to reduce costs and fuel servicing growth.

Volumes are down and lenders are racing to cut costs, but some of their approaches may not be the best for long-term success, a Stratmor analyst said. He suggested lenders update their LO comp structures.

SEC approves Better-Aurora merger; FICO increasing mortgage revenue as originations decline; Rithm to spin off most of its origination/servicing business; impact of revised capital requirements for large banks.

Originations, servicing and secondary market activity could all benefit from Blockchain, according to a new white paper from MISMO.

Proposal for higher capital requirements on mortgages at larger banks expected next week; House passes defense spending bill without RON provision; Umpqua Bank selling one-third of its MSRs; MISMO publishes fee- naming guide; PrimeLending offering fast loan approvals; lender offers AI chatbot to potential borrowers.

Comerica and Fifth Third are departing the warehouse arena. Should nonbanks be concerned that others might follow?

Low-income borrowers could divert some of their downpayment funds to a reserve account that would pay loan costs during emergencies in a pilot program proposed by the Urban Institute.

Home prices expected to decline; FTC hearing on ICE/Black Knight delayed; legal services for AI usage; MISMO updates; accounting proposal on acquired assets.

Originations were down in the first quarter, but gain-on-sale margins improved. Having a hand in the servicing business helped some firms turn a profit.