"We obviously have tried to be prudent in making sure we havethe appropriate staff for the appropriate area," Jonathan Morris,president of BMC Capital, stresses to GlobeSt.com, responding to aninquiry about a rumored double-digit layoff in its originationranks in Dallas. "We have to make sure we have the right people inthe right places."

Morris says "a handful" of underwriters has been eliminated--afact that's been confirmed by one of the laid-off workers. BMC'spolicy is not to disclose the size of its ranks, but both say it'ssubstantially less than the rumored number of 20.

"I'm not going to say there were no changes in the underwritinggroup, but I don't want to get too specific," Morris says, addingthe head count can fluctuate monthly. "We are continuing to hireand we are hiring in support roles and core mortgage andorigination lines."