The reason I mention this is that behavioral economists feel that successful business men and women have both an intuitive grasp of this concept, and also a firm grasp of the economics that contribute toward the decision. In other words, successful mortgage bankers don’t just “flip a coin” in deciding to open a new branch in a different town, opening up or closing down a product line, or being originating loans out of state.

Back to something simple, like the economy! We saw many intra-day price changes yesterday, mostly for the better. Wall Street firms reported a “decent bid” for product, especially given that there are no major Treasury auctions this week. We did have the Chicago Purchasing Managers Index, which increased to its highest level since September. As I explained yesterday, economists watch this number for an early read on the economy, in spite of manufacturing here in the US being only 12% of the economy. Today we will have Construction Spending and the ISM index. Currently the 10-yr is at 3.40% and mortgage security prices are a smidge worse than yesterday afternoon, but a smidge better than yesterday morning.

And for investor news…

GMAC followed Fannie's TBW announcement. “Due to Taylor Bean and Whitaker's recent disqualification as an originator/seller/issuer/servicer by HUD, Ginnie Mae and Freddie Mac, and its subsequent bankruptcy filing, please be advised that GMAC Bank will not buy or warehouse any loans that were originated by or sourced through Taylor Bean or its affiliates until further notice.”

DocMagic is suing Ellie Mae (for $5 million and an injunction) for antitrust violations, intentional interference with contractual relationships, interference with prospective economic advantage and unfair competition. According to the suit, DocMagic’s loan document software was available to users of Ellie Mae’s Encompass loan origination software, and that Ellie Mae used information specific to DocMagic’s software integration to create its own software product.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/08/31/Mortgage_Firm_Faces_Antitrust_Complaint.htm

Flagstar is increasing the maximum total debt ratio for FHA loans that receive a Total Scorecard “approve” or “accept” response to 55. There is no maximum housing ratio for loans approved through automated underwriting. If a credit score cannot be obtained due to an absence of usable credit, the borrower remains eligible for FHA financing, subject to a) a maximum housing ratio is 31%, regardless of the number and type of non-traditional credit sources, b) maximum total debt ratio is 43%, regardless of the number and type of non-traditional credit sources, and c) all other FHA requirements announced in FHA Mortgagee Letter 2008-11 – Non-Traditional Credit Verification and Evaluation apply. Flagstar also told clients that, in spite of the VA not requiring appraisals for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans (IRRRLs), Flagstar is requiring an appraisal for all IRRRLs.

Wells Fargo’s Correspondent group told their clients that starting today they are revising their
conventional policy for “documenting cash assets from publicly traded stocks, bonds, mutual funds, U.S. government securities and retirement plans to the following, when cash assets are used for down payment, closing costs, financing costs and prepaids/escrows: In addition to providing a copy of the account statement for the most recent month/quarter, proof of liquidation must also be documented with: borrower’s ownership of the asset, and value of the asset at the time of sale or liquidation, and borrower’s actual receipt of funds realized from the sale or liquidation.”

Is the "portfolio loan" business dead? No. For example, US Bank is out there advertising “portfolio jumbos” with no price or rate hits up to $900k, IO loans, cash outs, etc. Hopefully it is a good sign, although no one appears to be loosening any guidelines.

A US Congressman was seated next to a little girl on the airplane when the Congressman turned to her and said, “Let's talk. I've heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.”
The little girl, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly and said to the stranger, “What would you like to talk about?”
“Oh, I don't know,” said the Representative. “How about the banking crisis?” And he smiles.
“OK,”' she said. “That could be an interesting and timely topic. But let me ask you a question first: A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff - grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?”
The Congressman, visibly surprised by the little girl's intelligence, thinks about it and says, “Hmmm, I have no idea.”
To which the little girl replies, “Do you really feel qualified to discuss banking when you don't know sh-t?”

Rob

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