Lenders tightened underwriting standards on non-agency mortgages in March and April, opting to focus on agency refis. But when that business declines, non-agency lending could rebound.
Select Portfolio Servicing gained ground during the third quarter but Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing remained the top servicer of non-agency MBS. (Includes data chart.)
After issuing $1.0 billion of expanded-credit MBS during the third quarter, Annaly is working to acquire more non-QMs. The REIT reported strong returns from the MBS.
MFA Financial took losses on non-QM sales earlier this year and obtained costly financing amid margin calls. Now the REIT is generating profits and paying off debt thanks to two MBS issuances in recent months.
The share of non-QMs that are delinquent or in a loan modification declined again in September. The impairment rate in the sector remains high, though loan holders are optimistic.
New Residential ranked sixth among expanded-credit originators in 2019. The lender has been slower than other major players to restart non-QM lending due to a surge in agency refi business.