Selene
Highlights
Selene Launches the First Phase of Selene Cares+
We’re proud to announce the launch of the first phase of Selene Cares+, our new borrower assistance campaign designed to deliver clearer, more supportive experiences for homeowners. Selene Cares+ reflects our continued commitment to meeting borrowers where they are and providing timely information, practical tools and meaningful support throughout their journey.
Boomers Edge Millennials and Gen Z out of Homeownership in Record Numbers
High home prices and elevated mortgage rates have made it increasingly difficult for Gen Z and millennials to buy homes. The median age of first-time U.S. home buyers has significantly jumped during the past decade. Because incomes have not kept pace with housing costs, many younger Americans are locked out of homeownership.
Fitch Upgrades Selene’s U.S. RMBS Servicer Ratings
We are pleased to announce that Fitch has upgraded Selene Finance's U.S. residential mortgage servicer ratings to 'RPS2-‘ for Primary Prime, Primary Subprime and Special Servicing. The 'RPS2-' Rating Upgrade and Stable Outlooks reflect Selene's experienced management team and staff, developed corporate growth strategy, effective technology environment and enterprise risk management controls and processes.
Rising Payment-to-Income Ratios Flagged as Early Warning for Mortgage Delinquencies
Although remaining at historically low levels, serious consumer-level delinquency rates (60+ DPD) for mortgage loans have progressively increased from 0.89% in Q2 2023 to 1.14% in Q2 2024 and 1.27% in Q2 2025.
June New Home Purchase Mortgage Applications Increased 8.5 Percent
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS) data for June 2025 shows mortgage applications for new home purchases increased 8.5 percent compared to a year ago. Compared to May 2025, applications decreased by 4 percent.
Home Equity Dips Slightly in Q1
ATTOM, Irvine, Calif., released its Q1 Home Equity and Underwater Report, revealing that 46.2% of mortgaged residential properties were considered equity-rich in the first quarter.
Announcing Jocelyn Martin-Leano & Doug Whittemore New Selene Leaders
Selene, a provider of industry leading loan servicing, diligence and title solutions, announced the appointments of Jocelyn Martin-Leano as President, Selene Finance and Doug Whittemore as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, for all Selene Holdings’ business lines, effective immediately. In these roles, Martin-Leano will oversee all Selene Finance operations and Whittemore will focus on Selene’s product development and company growth, as well as client and industry relations.
National Mortgage News spoke with Alex Watson, EVP Selene Diligence and John Guy, SVP Enterprise Sales on how today's busy market is impacting the due diligence process and where lenders can get support to modernize their practices.
Going Beyond Due Diligence
2025 Housing Forecast: Will Mortgage Rates Go Down?
Mortgage rates had widely been expected to decline in 2025 as the U.S. economy slows, inflation cools and the Federal Reserve continues to cut interest rates.
Taking the Pulse on Mortgage Servicing
In the November issue, MortgagePoint spoke with servicing executives, including Selene’s Chief Revenue Office, John Vella, about the current state of the industry, the challenges they are currently navigating and what they expect for the year ahead.
Joey Halligan on the Importance of Portfolio Management within Client Services
Joey Halligan, SVP Portfolio Management recently spoke with the MBA on the importance of portfolio management within client services.
How are Mortgage Servicing Portfolios Performing
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) monthly Loan Monitoring Survey found that the total number of loans now in forbearance declined slightly to 0.21% as of May 31, 2024.
Selene Finance welcomes Joey Halligan as SVP, Portfolio Management
Joey joins Selene with 25 years' industry experience within client management, loan originations and servicing operations.
The Importance of Customer Service in Mortgage Servicing
Increasingly, excellent customer service is the most important criteria in preserving satisfaction amongst servicing customers. According to a J.D. Power study, nearly two-thirds (63%) of customers would switch mortgage servicers in order to find better/improved customer service if they could.