Archive | The Mortgage Scoop

M&A

Why 7% Mortgage Rates Aren’t the Real Problem

Sep 23, 2026

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6 min read

Why 7% Mortgage Rates Aren’t the Real Problem

We’re producing half as many loans, costs are higher and LO comp is still indexed to ever-larger balances.

James Kleimann

FHFA

Better’s CEO Bromance Ends in Corporate Warfare 💔

Sep 21, 2026

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5 min read

Better’s CEO Bromance Ends in Corporate Warfare 💔

Vishal Garg released texts with the ex-BFF who replaced him. Plus, AmeriTrust's $14M DSCR fraud case & fresh agency origination data.

James Kleimann

M&A

We’re Starting a Podcast, a $13B Lender is for Sale & Mortgage has a Wedding

Sep 18, 2026

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6 min read

We’re Starting a Podcast, a $13B Lender is for Sale & Mortgage has a Wedding

The Scoop gets louder, Mutual of Omaha considers its next move, two industry execs tie the knot, Brian Vieaux is "nuts" & much more!

James Kleimann

Freddie Mac

Sep 16, 2026

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5 min read

Nobody's coming to save mortgage rates

The Fed hiked. The GSEs aren’t riding to the rescue. Time to think harder about where the next borrower comes from.

James Kleimann

M&A

Sep 14, 2026

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7 min read

Profitable, Tired & Ready to Sell?

Mortgage M&A is heating up as profitable but aging & undercapitalized lenders consider exits. These mid-sized lenders are lining up to buy them

James Kleimann

VantageScore

Sep 11, 2026

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6 min read

The Early VantageScore Pools Look Different

The first meaningful securitization data shows a much heavier cash-out mix than FICO. Plus, the expensive Rent-an-LO market, the turmoil at Fannie Mae & a fresh batch of scoops.

James Kleimann

Fannie Mae

Sep 8, 2026

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6 min read

The Secret to an 83% Recapture Rate*

Karen Postiglioni breaks down the creative math behind mortgage retention claims. Plus, Fannie’s workforce hits the therapy couch & Chad Smith leaves Better.

James Kleimann

M&A

Pulte Just Opened the VantageScore Floodgates. Who’s Ready?

Sep 4, 2026

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4 min read

Pulte Just Opened the VantageScore Floodgates. Who’s Ready?

FHFA’s chief wants VS4.0 everywhere, is eyeing bi-merge (or even a single credit report!) & says the bureaus act like a cartel. Plus, Fay Group buys a $1B IMB & Fannie gives LOs a new pipeline play.

James Kleimann

UWM

Sep 2, 2026

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5 min read

Rocket’s $10K Bounty on UWM Brokers

Detroit smells vulnerability in Pontiac: bounties, a “Moving Squad” & sharper pricing for brokers. Plus, Roam appears to be toast

James Kleimann

Why 7% Mortgage Rates Aren’t the Real Problem

Better’s CEO Bromance Ends in Corporate Warfare 💔

We’re Starting a Podcast, a $13B Lender is for Sale & Mortgage has a Wedding

Nobody's coming to save mortgage rates

Profitable, Tired & Ready to Sell?

The Early VantageScore Pools Look Different

The Secret to an 83% Recapture Rate*

Pulte Just Opened the VantageScore Floodgates. Who’s Ready?

Rocket’s $10K Bounty on UWM Brokers

If it's being whisperedin the halls, it's here first.

If it's being whispered
in the halls, it's here first.