Ellie Mae adds Peter Hirsch as executive vice president

Ellie Mae, a provider of on-demand software solutions and services for the residential mortgage industry, named Peter Hirsch the company’s executive vice president of technology and operations. In this newly created role, Hirsch will be responsible for leading all of Ellie Mae's technology groups.

DocMagic names Edward Komski national sales manager

In this role, Komski will be responsible for introducing DocMagic’s entire suite of software solutions to large, enterprise-level lending organizations.

The history of g-fees

The average level of guarantee fees charged has increased since 2009. However, as the study shows, the changes will result in little or no change to borrowers. This chart gives a comprehensive history of g-fees since 2008.

Seattle’s ‘Up’ house now facing demolition

A truly unique Seattle-area home that boasts neighbors like L.A. Fitness and Trader Joe’s is on the verge of being torn down, a sad end to a tale that many likened to a real-life ‘Up.’

USDA reportedly raising guarantee fees for 0% down mortgages

The price that borrowers pay for a 0% down payment loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service is reportedly set to rise later this year. Click through to learn more.

Ellie Mae publishes comprehensive TILA-RESPA guide

Ellie Mae is publishing a free, 16-page RESPA-TILA FAQ guide to help lenders understand and comply with the Integrated Disclosure Rule, currently scheduled to go into effect Oct. 3.

Black Knight updates LOS for TRID

TRID is coming, and as a result, Black Knight Financial Services released the latest version of Empower, its loan origination system for retail and wholesale lending to be ready for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s upcoming implementation date.

5 tips for new renters this summer

There are a few things that many renters don’t realize they’re missing until after it’s too late. Here are five rental reminders before the next big move.

S&P Case-Shiller: Home price gains slowed in April

Home prices in April continued their rise across the country over the last 12 months, but the pace of the gains slowed, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. Is there a problem?

Citi fails National Mortgage Settlement loan modification metric

Citi failed one of the new metrics used by the National Mortgage Settlement and the Monitoring Committee regarding loan modifications. What about the other big banks?

Treasury sweep of Fannie, Freddie shareholder profits "costly for housing"

Yale Law School lecturer Logan Beirne examined a lawsuit recently filed by three Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac investors accusing the federal government of exceeding its authority as a conservator, and in a National Law Review article, he supports their contention.

Realtor.com: Here are the 20 hottest markets this summer

He’s been consistently more optimistic and consistently right on sales. Realtor.com’s chief economist Jonathan Smoke explains why it’s a seller’s market.

Transportation and logistics M&A traction remains brisk

In the third-party logistics (3PL) sector, the ongoing trend of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity never seems to take a break. That is apparent in recent weeks alone, with XPO Logistics recent acquisition of Norbert Dentressangle for $3.53 billion, Echo Global Logistics scooping up Command Transportation for $420 million, and Kuehne+Nagel buying ReTrans for an undisclosed sum.

Realtor.com’s top economist welcomes Millennial homebuyers

Long thought to be a generation lost to homeownership – or at least, not near as enthused or enamored of homeownership – the young generation is starting to warm to the idea of a place of their own.

This MBA chart shows existing home turnover

The latest charts in the Mortgage Bankers Association’s series puts existing-home sales into historical context. While the graph shows that housing markets are recovering, they still have a ways to go.

Ex-UFC champ Chuck Liddell wins $2M in real estate lawsuit

Good news for former UFC champ Chuck Liddell. A San Luis Obispo County jury awarded him nearly $2 million against an escrow company he says helped developer Kelly Gearhart defraud him.

Here’s how gay marriage will improve housing

Today’s announcement by the Supreme Court making gay marriage a right throughout the land will be heralded, derided and debated for months and years, but there’s one thing that's inarguable – gay couples have a positive impact on housing. Want to know more?

HomeBridge hires VP for affinity mortgage platform launch

HomeBridge Financial Services hired industry veteran Joseph Cilento as vice president to lead its new HomeBridge Affinity Mortgage Platform, which is designed to provide community banks and credit unions with a way to originate residential mortgages.

Digging deeper: May new home sales increase has weak foundation

Sales of new single-family houses in May 2015 came in earlier this week at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 546,000, which is up 2.2% from April, and on an annual basis, were up a staggering 19.5%. Sounds like a sign of strength, right? Not so much, when you peel back the layers. Want to know more?

Hurdles remain for disparate impact claims in housing despite SCOTUS ruling

On Thursday the Supreme Court ruled in a contentious and qualified opinion that the legal doctrine of “disparate impact” is cognizable under the Fair Housing Act, but a closer look at the ruling shows it may not be as perilous for the mortgage industry as initially thought. Read on.

4 reasons why now is a good time to buy a home

Everyone has their own specific set of factors that that can motivate them to jump into the housing market. These four factors could convince you why you should buy now.

Prospect Mortgage acquires assets of CapWest Mortgage

Prospect Mortgage announced it is acquiring certain assets of CapWest Mortgage, a call center operation focusing on consumer direct sources of business.

Kuehne+Nagel to acquire ReTrans

Global third-party logistics (3PL) services provider Kuehne+Nagel (KN) said this week it has entered into an agreement to acquire ReTrans Inc., a Memphis-based provider of multimodal transportation services.

MERS victorious in Georgia federal and state courts

MERSCORP Holdings, Inc. won again in two separate courtrooms in Georgia recently, continuing its string of winning legal challenges to its ability to assign a mortgage.

Impac boosts lending capabilities with $30M loan from Macquarie Group

Impac Mortgage Holdings, which is already having itself quite a year, is set to grow its lending capability even more, thanks to a capital infusion from the Macquarie Group. Here are the details.

OCC: Mortgage performance better in 1Q15

The performance of first-lien mortgages serviced by eight national banks improved during the first quarter of 2015, according to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s quarterly report on mortgage performance. Here's what happened.

Senate Appropriations Committee approves $55B housing, transportation bill

The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the FY2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, making the $55.65 billion measure available for consideration by the Senate. It's more than last year, but less than the White House wanted.

CFPB employees: Workplace discrimination getting worse, leadership absent

Witnesses who work at the CFPB told Congress today that discrimination and retaliation at their workplace has actually gotten worse since initial reports from April 2014, and that there's a failure of leadership all around. Want to know more?

CFPB publishes 8,000 complaints against banks, lenders, financial institutions

Nearly 8,000 consumers' accounts of problems they are facing with financial companies are now live in a public-facing consumer complaint database. However, before a complaint goes live, lenders do have options.

Hatteras Financial acquires Pingora Asset Management

Hatteras Financial, a real estate investment trust, announced the acquisition of Pingora Asset Management and Pingora Loan Servicing, a specialized asset manager focused on investing in new production performing mortgage servicing rights and servicing residential mortgage loans.

Trending Thursday: Busy week on Capitol Hill with CFPB, SCOTUS making appearances

From the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to the U.S. Supreme Court, the government announced several new game-changing initiatives for housing finance. Not all were welcomed with open arms.

Mortgage rates tick up slightly

Average fixed mortgage rates are little changed from the previous week amid reports of the U.S. housing market strengthening, according to Freddie Mac.

Supreme Court: Fair Housing Act claims can use “disparate impact”

In a blow to the housing and mortgage finance industry but a victory for fair housing advocates, the Supreme Court ruled in a contentious and qualified opinion that the legal doctrine of “disparate impact” is cognizable under the Fair Housing Act. Want to know more?

Millennials getting more positive about homebuying

Millennials have become more positive when it comes to taking the plunge into home ownership and are primed to gain market share in the second half of the year. Are things changing?

Here are the 10 most affordable housing markets for low down payments

A new study from RealtyTrac and Down Payment Resource shows the top 10 and bottom 10 markets in the U.S. in terms of affordability and accessibility for low down payment borrowers. Which markets made the list?

CoreLogic chief economist: Here's how new policies can help homeownership

The homeownership rate has been steadily declining, Frank Nothaft, chief economist for CoreLogic, said in an interview with HousingWire. So what can the industry do about this?

Fitch now has “positive” outlook for Ocwen’s servicer ratings

Mere days after Standard & Poor’s cut the servicer rankings of Ocwen Loan Servicing from “average” to “below average," citing a “deficient” internal controls environment that has not kept pace with the company’s growth, the Ocwen Financial ratings roller-coaster continues.

These 4 charts prove the strength of Dallas housing

The Dallas-Fort Worth housing market and economy are not only outpacing the rest of the state, but they are also outpacing the national average. Here are four charts that prove it.

Freddie Mac’s second actual loss STACR deal prices wide

After market demand caused Freddie Mac to increase the size of its first Structured Agency Credit Risk series offering featuring actual loss positions, Freddie Mac announced the pricing of its second actual loss STACR deal, with STACR Series 2015-DNA2 pricing wide compared to STACR Series 2015-DNA1.

Whistleblowers to testify on alleged discrimination at CFPB

More than a year after House hearings revealed a culture of alleged discrimination and retaliation at the CFPB, two new witnesses are coming forward charging that rather than getting better, discrimination at the bureau is getting worse.

Realtor.com, Airbnb partner to let homebuyers test-drive the neighborhood

Why was this not always a thing? Buyers can rent in a neighborhood to see if they like it before they commit to the mortgage. Good idea or great idea? Click the headline to read all about it, and see an example of the strategy.

MBA, PwC white paper tracks powerful impact of nonbank servicing

The Mortgage Bankers Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers today announced the release of The Changing Dynamics of the Mortgage Servicing Landscape, a white paper looking at how nonbank servicing changed the industry, and where it’s heading tomorrow.

Refi, purchase applications both rise in MBA survey

Mortgage applications increased 1.6% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending June 19, 2015. Want to know more?

Black Knight: National delinquency rate up 4% from April

While the national delinquency rate rose 4% from April to 4.96%, it’s still down nearly 12% from last year. Also, aside from the last two months, the national delinquency rate is still the lowest it’s been since the summer of 2007.

California housing market slows considerably

California’s massive housing market is slowing down in almost every way imaginable. “With the exception of a few counties, price increases have slowed considerably,” said Madeline Schnapp, director of economic research for PropertyRadar.

More than 3,000 financial institutions apply for .BANK domain names

As first reported by HousingWire in 2013, high-level domains, such as .REALTOR, are now available. One of the new high-level domains, .BANK, is engendering significant interest, according to the Financial Services Roundtable, which is a lead supporter, investor and founder of the .BANK domain.

Homeownership rate at 10-year low

The results are in, and the national homeownership rate continues its downward spiral. The groups to look to for answers: Generation X and Millennials.

After one week, missing Realtor's trail goes cold

It's a strange case involving a Realtor who went missing showing a property, a pair of clients who may have had a grudge, a mysterious white SUV and a brother doing all he can to find his missing sibling.

Dispelling the myth of the affordable housing bogeyman

The scariest thing you’ll see this summer is not a genetically modified dinosaur noshing on nameless tourists in whatever iteration of Jurassic Park we’re up to, but rather the Obama administration’s forthcoming final rule to affirmatively further fair housing. Well, that’s what the rule’s opponents would like you to believe.

CFPB changes TRID effective date — again

Another week, another change to the effective date of the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule comes from the CFPB. Here's the latest news as of today.

Freddie agrees with Fannie: The economy is improving

A new report from Freddie Mac suggests that improving household balance sheets will make it more enticing for Americans to take on mortgage debt in 2015, echoing the sentiment of a report from Fannie Mae.

U.S. Conference of Mayors: Don’t sell non-performing loans to Wall Street

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is joining a growing chorus calling on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to stop selling pools of non-performing loans to “Wall Street speculators,” and requesting that the pools be sold instead to non-profits interested in keeping homeowners in their homes.

CFPB lists 10 compliance violation trends

After a year adjusting to new CFPB rules, some in the mortgage industry are still not up to code. Here are the mortgage violation trends the bureau found.

Can you translate this emoji letter to millennial borrowers?

Emojis originally started as a simple way to express whether you are happy or sad but have evolved into a way to communicate your every single thought, desire and craving. But will they work for mortgage lending? Here's a sample of a letter to a potential borrower. Can you translate it?

Flagstar names Leonard Israel president of mortgage banking

Flagstar Bancorp announced the hiring of Leonard Israel to serve as the bank’s president of mortgage banking. In this position, Israel will report to Flagstar President and CEO Alessandro DiNello and be responsible for all aspects of Flagstar’s mortgage originations business.

The three-card Monte accounting of Fannie, Freddie conservatorship

A forensic look at the complex legerdemain that was federal government putting the GSEs in conservatorship reveals some head-scratching accounting and some three-card Monte style mathematics.

Fannie Mae: Economic rebound on the horizon

Recent indicators suggest that the U.S. is experiencing a moderate rebound in economic growth in the current quarter following a temporary drop in activity in the first quarter. What does it mean for you?

Prominent Senate Democrats call for investigation into "discriminatory" foreclosure neglect

The complaint cites a 2014 report from the National Fair Housing Alliance that found that bank-owned properties in communities of color were much more likely to have a higher number of maintenance and marketing deficiencies, leading to "destabilizing outcomes for families and neighborhoods."

Mortgage Master President: 3 tips to reach younger homeowners

Most mortgage lenders built their businesses providing mortgages to Baby Boomers, but are they prepared for the new, younger and more tech-savvy generation?

Fannie Mae eliminates Desktop Underwriter fee

“We want to continue to provide value to our lenders and we don’t want technology fees to get in the way of lenders using our technology to its full potential," said Andrew Bon Salle, Executive Vice President, Single-Family Business at Fannie Mae.

FHFA: Home prices slightly rise in April

Home prices slightly increased in April, inching up 0.3% from March, after reporting a rise in March.

May new home sales gain 2.2% from April

Sales of new single-family houses in May 2015 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 546,000, which is up 2.2% from April, but the big news is in price gains. Read on, reader.

Housing advocates: REO-to-rental boom is bad for California renters, buyers

A new report by the affordable housing nonprofit group California Reinvestment Coalition says the practice of investors buying and renting foreclosed homes hurts neighborhoods throughout California. Are they right?

Advanced e-Closing: supporting CFPB final rule and more

Hybrid e-closings begin with electronic disclosure document and appraisal delivery, while also offering additional document up load, completion and acknowledgement capabilities.

Advanced e-closing: supporting CFPB final rule and more

Hybrid e-closings begin with electronic disclosure document and appraisal delivery, while also offering additional document up load, completion and acknowledgement capabilities.

June existing-home sales expected to rise 11% year-over-year

Coming on the heels of positive existing-home sales for May, existing-home sales in June are expected to rise sharply over last year’s total, according to Auction.com’s June Real Estate Nowcast. Is this a healthy summer buying season?

HUD senior official leaving to join Hillary Clinton campaign?

HUD Secretary Julián Castro said Monday that Betsaida Alcantara, HUD’s assistant secretary for public affairs and one of Castro’s senior advisors, is set to leave her position at the end of July. Castro did not disclose Alcantara’s next move, but a Buzzfeed report said that Alcantara is leaving HUD to serve as the director of media planning for Clinton’s campaign.

Tyler Perry lists Atlanta home for $25 million

The director of “If Loving You is Wrong” and “The Haves and the Have Nots” is entering the real estate market and listed his home in Atlanta for $25 million.

MBA: Still optimistic about growth for 2015

The economy in general and housing in particular have had a struggle getting momentum in 2015 so far, but that doesn’t deter the optimism analysts at the Mortgage Bankers Association feel for the rest of 2015.

Concerns lurk beneath the good news in May existing-home sales

Existing-home sales increased in May to their highest pace in nearly six years, according to the National Association of Realtors. But what’s really behind the numbers and what do they mean?

Marketers are dissecting Millennials, and we don’t like it

Everyone, not just the housing industry, is fixated on defining every single minute detail of what a millennial wants. Why are you so obsessed with us?

Carrington Mortgage Services hires Tom O'Leary as regional sales manager

Under O’Leary’s direction, Carrington’s wholesale operation will remain focused on continued growth, providing expanded product offerings and producing faster turn times to effectively meet market demands.

Southern California was not ready for millennials

Back in 1988, The Times asked the question: What will Southern California look like in the future? Now looking at what really happened, there’s a variable the city planners didn't expect: Millennials.

Housing disparate impact decision still pending in Supreme Court

It's going to be Thursday. Or Maybe Monday. Or at last gasp on Tuesday. But the decision on disparate impact use in housing will come soon, and HousingWire will be there. Here's the latest.

Monday Morning Cup of Coffee: CFPB under the gun again

Today could be a big legal day for housing, as the Supreme Court will determine whether housing policy is subject to the onerous burdens of “disparate impact.” Plus, housing metrics for the week, the mixed outlook on what the Fed will do with rates, more investigations of the CFPB and a whole lot more you won’t want to miss.

Job situation improves in nearly every state

The job situation improved in almost every state over the last three months, according to a new chart from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. But, as seen here, not all states are created equal.

Man uses false documents, straw buyers in 35 fraudulent mortgage transactions

A Virginia man pled guilty to a federal conspiracy charge stemming from fraudulent real estate transactions he engaged in using strawmen buyers in 35 mortgage transactions. Here's what happened.

First-time buyers boost existing-home sales 5.1% in May

Welcome news for Realtors and the housing and mortgage finance industry: existing-home sales gained 5.1% in May and 9.2% annually. The biggest gains came in the Northeast. Want to know more?

Fed: May economic activity shows signs of slowdown

Early reports for the second quarter paint a mixed picture. According to the Chicago Federal Reserve, there was net improvement in May's run of economic data but not much, at least based on the national activity index. A bad sign for housing and mortgage activity in the second quarter?

Free trade agreements may not always be “sure win” strategies

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) routinely produces a white paper on key trends and developments related to trade and investment in the world’s most dynamic marketplace. It’s most recent study is titled “Do Free Trade Agreements Matter?”

Wingspan closing Florida office, laying off 150 employees

When Wingspan Portfolio Advisors purchased JPMorgan Chase’s mortgage servicing operations center in Melbourne, Florida, in February 2013, the company gave 400 Chase employees who staffed the Melbourne office the opportunity to continue their employment. Now the company plans to close the Melbourne office and lay off the remaining 150 employees.

Zillow Group selling ActiveRain, Kwkly to Ben Kinney

Big news in the real estate world. Zillow Group is set to sell ActiveRain, the social networking, blogging, and training platform for the real estate industry, to the Ben Kinney family of companies. Kinney is also acquiring Kwkly, a text-to-lead service that helps connect buyers with agents from Zillow in the deal.

MBA Stevens: We are in the middle of a housing crisis

We are currently in the middle of a housing crisis. These are the bold words Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO David Stevens wrote in a recent blog post on LinkedIn.

Ellie Mae expected to deliver 40% revenue growth in 2015

It’s halfway through the year and Ellie Mae is still living up to the positive forecast that was given to it. After recent meetings with Ellie Mae, FBR Capital Markets & Co. said it walked away more confident in the company’s ability to deliver 40% plus revenue growth in 2015.

CFPB launches investigation into Bankrate mortgage rate tracker

The CFPB is requesting that the publishing company produce “certain documents” and answer questions relating to the company’s quality control process for its mortgage rate tables. The inquiry could serve as a wakeup call as many websites in the mortgage space offer rate trackers as a service. Click the headline for full coverage.

Subprime mortgages didn’t cause the financial crisis

Journalists pinned subprime lenders as the villains behind the financial crisis, along with irresponsible borrowers who were their customers. They were wrong.

S&P cuts Ocwen’s servicer rankings to “below average”

Citing a “deficient” internal controls environment that has not kept pace with the company’s growth, Standard & Poor’s downgraded the servicer rankings of Ocwen Loan Servicing from “average” to “below average.” Click through to read more.

Aggregate market value of housing nearing 4Q06 peak

The aggregate market value of owner-occupied housing hit its high point in the last part of 2006, reaching a high-water mark of $22.5 trillion.

HUD wants to push urban dysfunction into the suburbs

At the heart of the Texas lawsuit is something more sinister – it’s the concept and the demand that public housing be located in successful suburbs, rather than in lower-income neighborhoods closer to public transportation and affordable amenities.

The foreclosure crisis would have happened even without risky mortgages

The mortgage industry still lacks adequate tools to recognize bubble behavior, and even less the power to stop it from bursting. Furthermore, and more importantly, the latest research shows regulations do nothing to prevent this sort of housing phenomenon. Are we doomed to repeat history?

Will homebuilding ever return to the highs of 2006?

While Capital Economics is forecasting housing starts to surge by almost 40% over the next few years, reaching 1.5 million by the end of 2017, they’re not so sure the industry will see a return to pre-recession 2006 levels. Think they’re right?

Stonegate introduces third-party mortgage origination portal

Stonegate Mortgage introduced its new third-party mortgage origination portal called TPO Connect to offer third-party originators greater access and control over their loans.

InHouse Connexions launches commercial valuation portal

InHouse Connexions launched a new platform for commercial lenders and appraisers, providing a centralized platform for stakeholders in the commercial valuation chain.

Fannie Mae moving in Dallas?

Fannie Mae is looking to review its real estate options in North Texas as its operations shift to reflect a changing industry with fewer delinquencies.

Wells Fargo names Hope Hardison chief administrative officer

Wells Fargo will soon have a new chief administrative officer. Pat Callahan, who currently serves as chief administrative officer, told the bank that she intends to retire later this year, after a 38-year career with the company.

10 tips for first-time homebuyers

Homebuyers are caught in a storm of low inventory, high demand and tight credit availability right now. In these market conditions, even simple tactics can make the difference between owning a home or not. For starters, here are 10 tips.

Senior home equity nears $4 trillion as home values rise

Home equity, and mortgage debt of homeowners 62 and older, has reached 189.67, its highest level since Q1 2007, according to the National Reverse Mortgage Lending Association/RiskSpan Reverse Mortgage Market Index.

Charts highlight the chasm between the rich and everyone else

While the top, minuscule percentage of taxpayers is recovering well since the recession, this is not what is happening for everyone else according to latest data from the IRS on U.S. households.

CUNA discovers discrepancy in CFPB’s TRID rule, seeks answers

The Credit Union National Association asked the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to clarify a discrepancy and to exempt credit unions that make five or fewer mortgages in a calendar year from the Know Before You Owe rule. Want to know more?

Altisource Residential CEO Ashish Pandey stepping down

Ashish Pandey, who has served as the chief executive officer of Altisource Residential Corporation since the company was spun off from Ocwen Financial in 2012, is stepping down. According to a release from the company, Pandey is leaving Altisource Residential to “pursue personal interests” in India.

New House vote on TPA puts ball in Senate’s court

U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has been championing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), joins other shippers in praising the House passage of this important legislation.

Barclays to cease trading legacy mortgage bonds

Barclays intends to stop trading legacy mortgage bonds, leaving behind a $700 billion market, Bloomberg reported Wednesday. So where is Barclays taking its money? Click through to find out.

Yellen: A rate increase in 2015 is possible

A federal funds rate increase this year is possible given current economic data, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in a press conference on Wednesday after the Federal Open Market Committee June meeting announcement. And what's more, most participants agree with her.

Is a Qatari buyer about to buy the most expensive home in the U.S.?

A mystery buyer, believed to be from Qatar, could be on the verge of buying the most expensive home in the history of the U.S. Click through to read the ludicrous, potentially record-setting details.

CoreLogic, ComplianceEase release LoanSafe Compliance Manager

CoreLogic released its latest lending solution, LoanSafe Compliance Manager, to help lenders comply with residential mortgage lending regulations, including the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule.

FOMC: Federal fund rate remains unchanged, on track for 2015 increase

Once again, the Federal Open Market Committee has chosen to keep the current 0 to 1/4 percent target range for the federal funds rate, crushing any speculation that it would be raised in June.

HOPE NOW reports 153K mortgage solutions for homeowners in April

Hope Now has released its April 2015 report that shows total non-foreclosure solutions (the combination of total loan modifications, short sales, deeds in lieu and workout plans) were approximately 153,000.

TransUnion: 1.5M hit by mortgage crisis can re-enter housing market in next 3 years

1.5 million buyers who were 60+ days delinquent on a mortgage loan, lost a mortgage through foreclosure, short sale or other non-satisfactory closure, or who had a mortgage loan modification will be eligible to get a mortgage again by 2018. Are you ready?

Mortgage rates tick down slightly to 4%

Average fixed mortgage rates moving lower from the previous week’s new highs for 2015 while housing data was generally positive, according to the latest from Freddie Mac.

New housing policy foundation breaks silence on housing crisis

Housing and mortgage finance reform either gets shuffled off to arguments in congressional subcommittees that go nowhere, or just plain ignored by policymakers. A new foundation with a power lineup plans to change all that, and they may have the capital to do it.

Foreclosure activity hits 19-month high on rise in REOs

Foreclosure filings — default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions — were reported on 126,868 U.S. properties in May 2015, up 1% from the previous month and up 16% from a year ago to a 19-month high. Here’s why and what it means.

Deutsche Bank: Smaller banks will probably offload MSRs to bigger banks

The implementation of the Basel 3 banking regulations, in which a European-devised strategy is levied among American financial institutions, appears to have disproportionately impacted smaller banks for the worse.

Fannie Mae: More mortgage lenders feeling positive on purchase demand

Mortgage lenders remain optimistic about purchase mortgage demand and their profit margin during the next three months. Good news or misplaced? You decide.

Mortgage applications drop 5.5% on rising interest rates

Mortgage applications decreased 5.5% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Here’s what happened.

OCC slaps Wells Fargo, JPMorgan, others with mortgage servicing restrictions

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency slammed Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase and other banks with new mortgage servicing restrictions due to their failure to comply with requirements of the Independent Foreclosure Review, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced Wednesday.

CFPB moves TRID date to Oct. 1

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced on Wednesday a proposal to delay the effective date of the Know Before You Owe rule until Oct. 1, 2015, instead of the previous deadline of Aug. 1. The mortgage industry had extensively lobbied the CFPB through Congress to push back the original implementation date.

Believe it or not…Barney Frank set to join a bank board

Quick, everyone check outside and make sure pigs aren’t flying! They’re not? Okay, good. Based on the headline in the Wall St. Journal, it looked like the world may be turning upside down right before our very eyes.

Death threats drive CoreLogic employee involved in McKinney pool incident into hiding

Tracey Carver-Allbritton, the CoreLogic employee involved in the McKinney pool incident, is now “in hiding” in California because she received death threats after a video surfaced of her allegedly striking one of the party’s attendees during what appeared to be a fight. According to a statement from Carver-Allbritton, the video does not show the whole story.

Wells Fargo: Most potential homebuyers don’t understand mortgages

Homeownership has always been, and continues to be, part of the America dream. The problem is that no one truly understands how to get there. This survey shows where the lines are getting crossed.

Houses that look like Game of Thrones characters

If you’re still reeling from the finale to season 5 (and the letdown that was the overall season 5), try this palate cleaner – homes that look like Game of Thrones characters.

Housing advocates: FHFA won’t reduce principal, offers discounted NPLs

Two liberal advocacy groups have published a provocative study accusing the Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Federal Housing Finance Agency of helping Wall Street at the expense of low-income communities by selling non-performing loans to investors. Are they right?

Discover shuttering home loan business

Discover Financial Services is closing its mortgage origination business, Discover Home Loans, after just three years, saying that the business is not projected to meet the company’s financial expectations.

Should real estate agents drive around in fancy cars?

Ah, the fancy car. The symbol of American success. Power, stability, money, and if you work in real estate, probably completely unnecessary.

Accenture updates software for TRID

Accenture released a new version of its Accenture Mortgage Cadence Enterprise Lending Center platform to fall in line with the upcoming TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule.

More homeowners are paying their mortgages on time

Not only are consumer credit default rates below pre-crisis levels and trending down, but the first mortgage default rate dropped to a historical low. And according to David Blitzer, managing director and chairman of the index committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices, "The economy looks good."

Group launches homeownership program to boost modest-income buyers

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition, a nonprofit affordable housing organization, announced Tuesday the launch of GROWTH, an initiative designed to create new pathways to homeownership for low- and moderate-income families. Will it work?

Freddie Mac offering second actual loss STACR deal

After market demand caused Freddie Mac to increase the size of its first Structured Agency Credit Risk series offering featuring actual loss positions, Freddie Mac is now offering a new actual loss STACR deal.

CoreLogic: Underwater mortgage share down to 10.2% in 1Q15

New analysis shows 254,000 properties regained equity in the first quarter of 2015, bringing the total number of mortgaged residential properties with equity at the end of Q1 2015 to approximately 44.9 million, or 90% of all mortgaged properties.

Housing starts drop but permits see big surge in May

Housing starts fell in May after last month’s double-digit gain, but at the same time there was a big push in permits for future construction — a surge taking permits to near the highest they've been since late 2007. Here's what happened.

MBA: Commercial mortgage debt increases to $2.68 trillion

The commercial/multifamily mortgage market witnessed a strong start to the year as all four major investor groups increased their holdings.

Former NFL player profits from nonbank boom

After finishing his football career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Casey Crawford found a new field to conquer: mortgage lending. And the best part is, he's succeeding at it.

Moody’s: Ocwen’s servicer ratings no longer on verge of downgrade

Perhaps the shaky ground on which Ocwen Financial has subsisted on for the last few months is finally beginning to stabilize, because, for the second time this month, Moody’s Investors Service issued a positive report on the beleaguered nonbank.

FHFA's 2014 report to Congress

The Federal Housing Finance Agency released its 2014 report to Congress giving an update on what exactly went on at the agency in 2014. Here's where it met it standards.

Boston Community Capital CEO: The housing crash isn’t over

The chief executive of Boston Community Capital, Elyse Cherry, has a guest editorial in the New York Times that goes into the fact that the housing crisis may be a memory for most homeowners, it was just the beginning for some. Want to know more?

Cleveland Cavaliers, Quicken Loans owner fights DOJ in court

As LeBron James and his fellow Cavaliers try to secure an NBA title, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who is also the owner of Quicken Loans, is trying to win a much bigger battle against the United States Justice Department.

Cass Freight Index posts best numbers to date for 2015

In picking up where April left off, the May edition of the Cass Freight Index Report from Cass Information Systems included the best results of the report on a year-to-date basis.

These 5 charts show the very best housing markets in America for families

WalletHub compared the 150 most populated U.S. cities based on 30 key metrics to find the most family-friendly housing markets. Did yours make the cut? HousingWire's did. Read on.

Homebuilders Standard Pacific and Ryland to merge

Standard Pacific's current CEO Scott Stowell will be executive chairman, while Ryland's chief, Larry Nicholson, would become CEO of the combined company.

Selma Hepp named Trulia's new chief economist

Selma Hepp joins the ranks of top housing economists as she fills the position of Trulia’s newest chief economist, replacing Jed Kolko after three and a half years in the position.

Where does your state rank on mortgage down payments?

Now is a good to buy a home, at least if you are making your decision based on how much of a down payment you need. This chart shows exactly where your state ranks on its average down payment.

ComplianceEase technology now ready for TRID

ComplianceEase announced it updated its latest technology to be compliant with the new TRID rules that will go into effect in less than two months.

No ruling yet from Supreme Court in Texas “disparate impact” case

No decision came in from the U.S. Supreme Court today on the much anticipated case that will decide whether it is within the bounds of the Fair Housing Act to employ the controversial legal doctrine of “disparate impact.” Want to know more?

Homebuilder confidence hits 2015 high in June

Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes in June rose five points to a level of 59 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index released Monday. What does it mean for you?

ICYMI: Three convicted of $7M loan modification scam

The three defendants were convicted by a federal jury of offering bogus loan modification programs to thousands of financially distressed homeowners. Here are more ugly details.

TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure will add a week or more to closings

The bottom line effect of the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure requirements that go into effect Aug.1 will be to add at least a week to closings, say industry experts. Want to know why?

Urban Institute: Rental surge to drop homeownership rate to 61.3% by 2030

A new paper by the Urban Institute says that the homeownership rate will continue to decline through 2030 and that a major rental surge is upon us, a surge the United States is not truly prepared to meet.

Homeowner, appraiser home value opinion gap widens

The difference between appraiser and homeowner perceptions continued to increase for the fourth consecutive month in May, Quicken Loans reports. Why are appraiser opinions trending lower?

Spread between mortgage rates, 10-year shows strong growth prospects

Mortgage rates hit a six-month high this week and the forecast is for 4.5% to be the new normal by the end of 2015, but what’s driving it and how will it affect investors and the economy overall?

Zillow: Number of underwater borrowers falling, but many still in serious danger

The number of borrowers who owe more on their home than it’s worth is falling, but there are still a number of borrowers who face a severely steep climb to get out from under their home, according to a new report from Zillow.

Monday Morning Cup of Coffee: Who’s buying pieces of Butler & Hosch?

One month ago, one of the nation’s largest mortgage industry law firms, Butler & Hosch, shut down abruptly after almost 35 years in business. So who's buying up pieces of the now-defunct firm? Plus a look at why Millennials aren't buying in the nation's largest cities and what last week's mortgage application data and interest rate reports tell us about the future of housing.

Here’s where California went all wrong with the National Mortgage Settlement

Everyone was on board and the national mortgage settlement money was meant to flow to distressed homeowners in hopes of staving off more foreclosures. It was a feel good moment, one we could all get behind. Then the state stepped in and had to ruin this nice thing for everyone.

Housing advocates join industry applauding reverse mortgage change

In rare moment of congruence, affordable housing advocates and housing industry players are applauding the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Administration to changes its reverse mortgage program. Here’s why.

NYDFS names Lawsky’s temporary replacement

The New York Department of Financial Services has found its replacement for its soon-departing superintendent, Benjamin Lawsky. Lawsky himself made the announcement in a memo sent to NYDFS staffers. In the memo, Lawsky said the NYDFS will be in good hands while Gov. Andrew Cuomo searches for a permanent replacement.

FHA issues new reverse mortgage rules to protect spouses

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Administration announced changes to its reverse mortgage program designed to keep non-borrowing spouses in their homes after the last surviving borrower dies.

Is a balloon mortgage ever worth it?

The Motley Fool just published a post about an interesting topic. Should the once-popular mortgage lending product — the balloon mortgage — make a stunning return to the market?

5 key points about the pending TRID upheaval

In an email to clients this morning, the team of financial services and real estate analysts at FBR drew 5 key points about what many in the mortgage lending industry expect to be a total upheaval of their operations. But are mortgage lenders right to be so worried?

Kentucky man to spend 12 years in prison for insane fraud scheme

A Kentucky man will spend the next 12 years in federal prison for leading a spectacularly massive scheme that involved defrauding the Internal Revenue Service of $53 million, bribing senior bank executives, the fraudulent purchase of an insurance company and the defrauding of insurance regulators and an investment bank.

Here are the hot job markets where rent is soaring

Moving to a city with a top job market is a great way to increase your financial standing, right? Unfortunately, MadValorem just released a study that proves the opposite could be true, at least if you are renting.

This 1 chart shows exactly where Americans are moving (and buying homes)

Interested in seeing where today's Americans are packing up and relocating to? SpareFoot was, and that's why they put together a statistical graphic of where the U.S. population is booming. Want to know where that is?

Sen. Warren responds to Jamie Dimon you-don't-get-it swipe

One day after JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon took a swipe at Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., saying that he doesn’t know if she fully understands the global banking system, Warren responded in kind. You didn’t think she was going to let this one go, did you?

LRES names three new vice presidents of sales

Cory Schwarzschild, Jason Davis and Brandon Hawkins will join LRES and will be responsible for managing LRES’ sales force and helping the company enter into new strategic business relationships with mortgage lenders and servicers.

Trade Promotion Authority and its advocates

While many shippers may be on the fence in regard to Trade Promotion Authority, the nation’s major manufacturing lobby is adamantly championing it.

Castle & Cooke Mortgage adds Jeff Norton as director of human resources

In this role, Norton is responsible for overseeing the employee experience, developing talent and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that will drive sustainable business growth, the company said in a release.

Retail sales show signs of improvement in May

Following a stretch of very modest retail sales gains in recent months, a more positive performance in May, based on data issued by the United States Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation (NRF) could potentially pave the way for more meaningful gains in coming months.

Trade groups join Congress to push CFPB for formalized TRID grace period

A large group of industry trade organizations is joining Congress to push the CFPB adopt a formalized grace period for the enforcement of the complex TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure requirements that go into effect Aug. 1. The groups believe the CFPB's announcement of an undefined TRID grace period was a good first step, but it's not enough.

Trucking-related provisions of House T-HUD bill welcomed by American Trucking Associations

In passing a Transportation and House and Urban Appropriations Development (T-HUD) appropriations bill yesterday, the United States House of Representatives received plaudits from the trucking sector for two provisions included in the bill’s language that the American Trucking Associations said “are critical for improving the safety and efficiency of the trucking industry.”

Survey: Significant majority of Americans believe housing crisis isn’t over

The wounds caused by the housing crisis are far from healing. In fact, the majority of Americans believe the country is still in the midst of the housing crisis, according to a new study from the MacArthur Foundation.

HOA threatens lawsuit over homeowner's wheelchair ramp

A Tennessee homeowners association is threatening to sue a family if they don't take down a wheelchair ramp in the next week. This brings back the age-old question: Is an HOA worth it?

Homeowners find out their house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

What does it do for a home’s value to find out your house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright? And how would you feel if you found this out after 20 years owning it? Find out here.

Nationstar launches end-to-end real estate platform Xome

Online real estate’s new kid on the block is here and ready to upset the apple cart in a big way. After weeks of beta testing, Xome officially launched Tuesday, offering “the world’s first integrated, end-to-end digital platform for real estate, with the promise of connecting every major touch point in the transaction process, from finding a home to closing the deal.”

Safeguard Properties calls $1M settlement an "amicable resolution"

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Safeguard Properties reached a $1 million settlement over allegations the company illegally locked Illinois residents out of their homes before a foreclosure was finalized. But Safeguard’s side of the story remains respectfully different.

Zillow unveils new national TV spot that focuses on mobile platform benefits

Zillow has released its sixth TV spot as part of the company’s award-winning “Find Your Way Home” national advertising campaign. The ad will run nationally through the end of the year.

The top 5 foreclosure hot spots from the latest CoreLogic report

While the nation as a whole is improving from the financial crisis, the recovery still widely varies as you compare state levels. Using CoreLogic’s data, here are the top 5 and bottom 5 states with the highest foreclosure inventory as a percentage of all mortgaged homes.

Freddie Mac names Sean Becketti new chief economist

Freddie Mac today announced that Sean Becketti, an executive with broad experience in the private sector, government and academia, is joining the company as vice president and chief economist. Here's the story.

Sen. Marco Rubio faced foreclosure; sold house for $18,000 loss

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio faced foreclosure on a home he owned in Tallahassee after failing to make his mortgage payment for five months, according to a new report from the New York Times, which did a deep dive into the Presidential candidate’s finances.

Cerberus reportedly making record-breaking bulk purchase of rental homes

Cerberus Capital Management is reportedly set to buy 4,200 rental homes situated throughout the U.S. in one fell swoop. The transaction is believed to be the largest bulk purchase of homes in the history of the single-family rental business.

Rick Perry: We’re tired of Wall Street getting special treatment

If former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is able to avoid some of the snafus that undid his previous bid for the White House, the nation’s biggest banks could be facing a whole new set of rules and regulations that could change the financial system and have a significant impact on housing.

Op-ed: Arrogant billionaires sue government over taxpayer bailout

Billionaires of Wall Street went to court to argue that they didn’t benefit enough from the bailouts and that taxpayers should pay them tens of billions of dollars more…wait what?

Police closing on suspect who kidnapped two Realtors

Realtor Magazine has the story of two agents who were held at gunpoint by a man during showings in St. Petersburg, Florida within an hour of one another.

Black Knight: 62% of serious delinquencies already used retention programs

Of all the borrowers who are 90 or more days past due but not yet in foreclosure, 62% have been through some form of home retention program. Here's what it means and where it's effective.

Invitation Homes’ new single-family rental securitzation is largest ever

Lest anyone think the single-family rental market isn’t booming right now, Invitation Homes is about to break the record for largest securitzation backed by single-family rental homes. Meet Invitation Homes 2015-SFR3.

MGIC: Primary new insurance rises in May

MGIC Investment Corp. reported a slight increase in primary new insurance for May 2015, writing $3.7 billion for the month.

Is the rental crisis bringing down housing?

The big problem facing the housing market: Renters are not turning into homeowners. But what is the correct solution for this and will it ever happen?

No ruling on disparate impact from Supreme Court today

It appears as though despite media reports, including here at HousingWire, there will not be a decision announced today from U.S. Supreme Court on whether it is within the bounds of the Fair Housing Act to employ the legally questionable doctrine of “disparate impact.”

Potential homeowners still believe in housing… now more than ever

Consumers are excited about housing. At least that's what Fannie Mae’s latest May 2015 National Housing Survey found. This report stands in opposition to a report from this morning, which painted a more dismal future for housing.

Trucking industry applauds NHTSA requirement for electronic stability controls

Starting with the 2017 model year, new Class 8 truck configurations will have to be outfitted with electronic stability controls (ESC) that backers and regulators say will sharply curtail truck rollovers.

Abacus Federal Savings Bank found not guilty of defrauding Fannie Mae

A jury ruled that New York-based Abacus Federal Savings Bank and two of its senior officers are not guilty of defrauding Fannie Mae, bringing some closure to a case that began in 2012 and a trial that began four months ago.

Dear housing industry, "Millennials want homes"

While there are roadblocks to millennials jumping into housing right now, this is often translated to “Oh no! Millennials are not buying and all the work that has going into the economic recovery is going to come to a screeching halt.” This is incredibly wrong.

CFPB fines defunct Guarantee Mortgage $228,000

In the latest action from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the bureau ordered defunct Guarantee Mortgage Corporation to pay a civil penalty of $228,000 for paying its branch managers on the interest rates of the loans they closed.

Fannie Mae raising mortgage modification interest rate again

Fannie Mae is set to raise the benchmark interest rate for its Standard Modification program after lowering it just one month ago. Beginning June 12, Fannie Mae will raise its required interest rate for standard modifications from 4% back to 4.125%.

LoanLogics names Catherine Doherty vice president

In this role, Doherty will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing human resources programs and services that are aligned with LoanLogics’ business strategies, and the company's relationship with its business partners.

DOJ set for second round of massive mortgage settlements

Round two. The Department of Justice and state officials are targeting up to nine banks for the next batch of billion-dollar payments related to soured mortgages.

Ocwen CEO gives baffled reaction to ratings rollercoaster

Just days receiving a bit of good news when Moody’s Investors Service upgraded its ratings, Ocwen Financial learned Standard & Poor’s placed its rankings on “CreditWatch negative.” So, what gives? Turns out the CEO of Ocwen is just as baffled by the news.

Are you really a real estate expert? Take this quiz

Everyone who works in real estate claims to be an expert. But are you really? Here's an anonymous quiz to test your knowledge of the space. Don't worry, you'll be able to #humblebrag at the end if you do well.

Mortgage banker expenses continue to rise

According to a chart by the Mortgage Bankers Association, in the first quarter of 2015, total quarterly production expenses averaged $7,195 per loan, 311 basis points, among independent mortgage bankers and bank subsidiaries.

Goldman Sachs in talks to settle mortgage probe for $2-$3B

Media reports say that Goldman Sachs is in talks to pay between $2-$3 billion to settle the federal government’s investigation into the sale of mortgage bonds in the run up to the housing and financial crisis. Want to know more?

IMA puts out $2B Ginnie Mae MSR portfolio

Interactive Mortgage Advisors announced it is acting as exclusive broker for the seller of a $2 billion Ginnie Mae bulk residential mortgage servicing rights offerings.

Amherst Holdings names Andrew Flahive president, single-family residential capital

In this newly created position, Flahive will be responsible for leading Amherst's initiative to design and implement debt and equity financing strategies for its rapidly growing single-family rental business. Flahive will oversee all debt and equity capital markets activity sponsored by Amherst affiliates.

With TRID looming, the mortgage industry needs to come together now

TRID could very well bring some of the most significant transformation to the settlement and origination processes that the mortgage industry has seen in decades. But it seems as if making the necessary changes is something close to traumatic for many firms. It's high time for this industry to come together and get ready for the future.

Real estate investment firm owners arrested for $17M fraud scheme

The former CEO and COO of Cabot Investment Properties were arrested for allegedly participating in a scheme to defraud investors in numerous real estate investments by misappropriating over $17 million to pay for personal and business expenses. Want to know more?

Title Source launches massive hiring push

Title Source, the Detroit-based provider of title insurance, property valuations and settlement services, is launching a massive hiring push that will see the company expand its workforce by nearly 16%. Title Source, which is a sister company of Quicken Loans, currently employs a staff of approximately 2,200 and plans to hire 350 new employees.

Clayton Holdings selects Suzanne Singer senior managing director

In this role, Singer will be responsible for expanding Clayton’s customer base and developing and executing strategic initiatives with Clayton’s parent company, Radian Group.

CFPB Director: PHH Corp. took kickbacks for mortgage insurance referrals

The director’s decision concludes that PHH Corp., a mortgage lender, illegally referred consumers to mortgage insurers in exchange for kickbacks. Here's what happened.

Here’s why millennials aren’t buying homes

During today’s Housing Policy Council at the Financial Services Roundtable, being held right now in Washington, D.C., several housing experts gathered during a panel to talk about why millennials aren’t buying homes and what can be done to bring them to the market.

CFPB warns reverse mortgage advertising is misleading

A new study from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that reverse mortgage advertising can be confusing and misleading, and issued a warning to older Americans to be on the lookout for potentially deceptive reverse mortgage advertisements.

Trending Thursday: Not everyone is happy with CFPB’s undefined grace period

While many in the industry are happy that the CFPB has given some ground on a grace period, some lenders worry that it’s just not enough. Plus, are interest rates already too high, who opposes disparate impact in housing and more questions answered.

Mortgage credit availability increases in May

Mortgage credit availability increased in May according to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index, a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

CFPB orders RPM Mortgage to pay $19M for steering consumers to costlier mortgages

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed a complaint in federal district court against RPM Mortgage and its CEO, Erwin Robert Hirt, for illegally paying bonuses and higher commissions to loan originators to incentivize them to steer consumers into costlier mortgages.

Freddie Mac: Mortgage rates remain near 2015 high

Average fixed mortgage rates remained near their highest level of the year before bond yields began moving even higher Wednesday afternoon, according to Freddie Mac.

Democrats push new bill allowing community banks to exceed QM rule

The leading Democrats on both the Senate Banking Committee and the House Financial Services Committee are pushing a new bill designed to provide regulatory relief to community banks and increase consumer protections. Most notable among the bill’s provisions is a stipulation that would allow smaller banks to exceed the QM rules while still qualifying for QM Safe Harbor.

Massachusetts Supreme Court upholds real estate agents’ employment status

Realtors and real estate agents who choose to affiliate with a real estate brokerage will continue to be allowed to designate their own employment status after the Massachusetts State Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling.

Even with a slight decline, non-manufacturing remains on a growth path, says ISM

The index ISM uses to measure non-manufacturing growth—known as the NMI—was 55.7 in May which was 2.1 percent below April (a level of 50 or higher indicates growth) and also 1.5 percent below the 12-month average of 57.2

Mid America Mortgage names David Tracy national underwriting manager

Mid America Mortgage announced the addition of David Tracy as the company’s national underwriting manager. In this role, Tracy is tasked with revitalizing Mid America’s underwriting operations nationwide, the company said in a release.

Former Butler & Hosch executive vice president lands at McCalla Raymer

McCalla Raymer, LLC announced the firm’s expansion and the opening of a new office in Oxford, Miss. Jim DeLoach, who recently served as executive vice president of the now-closed Butler & Hosch, P.A., will join the firm as senior counsel and David Flautt will join the firm as an associate.

Title Resource Group acquires Independence Title

Title Resource Group, a title and settlement services provider, announced Tuesday that its wholly owned subsidiary, Texas American Title Company, entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Texas-based ITCOA. ITCOA, which is headquartered in Austin, does business throughout Texas as Independence Title.

Zuckerberg’s housing troubles now include his neighbors

While Facebook Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg may rule the social media industry, he is getting into a bit of trouble in the housing sector. Zuckerberg’s former neighbors have added their names to the list of people involved in his current privacy squabble.

Quicken Loans CEO: The FHA has been hijacked by the Department of Justice

Much of the industry scuttlebutt of late has been focused on Quicken Loans with its decision to sue the Department of Justice and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In an exclusive interview with HousingWire, Quicken Loans’ CEO Bill Emerson said that the lender is not going to give in to the government’s pressure and tells us what's really going on.

BAML: Agency MBS results mixed but Fannie, Freddie solid

Total returns were mixed across securitized products in May, according to a client note from Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, with securitized credit products providing higher total returns.

JPMorgan Chase mortgage banker sentenced for bribery, tax evasion

A Texas mortgage banker was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by six months of home confinement, for her role in a commercial bribery and tax evasion scheme in selling mortgage loans to preferred customers on the secondary market in exchange for payment.

Latest Freddie Mac high-LTV risk-sharing mortgage bond prices tight

Freddie Mac announced the pricing of its second high loan-to-value risk-sharing bond of 2015, which is supported by loans with LTV ratios of 80-95%. According to Freddie Mac, the investor response to Structured Agency Credit Risk Series 2015-HQ2 was strong, and the deal priced tight compared with STACR Series 2015-HQ1.

MBA pushes to increase diversity in mortgage lending

In an exclusive interview with HousingWire, Bill Emerson, the chairman-elect of the MBA and the chief executive officer of Quicken Loans, said that the MBA wants to prepare the housing finance industry for the new normal of the future, which will be far different than the history of mortgage lending to this point.

Goldman Sachs: Expect interest rates to rise in September

However, in an email authored by Chief Economist Jan Hatzius, this forecast for rising interest rates to begin in September remains “a close call.”

The best companies to work for in housing

If you’re looking for a job you might want to try applying to these places first. These three companies ranked on Business Insiders' 10 best finance companies to work for.

HSBC facing $34 billion mortgage debt lawsuit

According to the Reuters, the judge dismissed some claims, including for negligence and negligent misrepresentation. She also gave the plaintiffs 30 days to amend their complaints, and scheduled a June 24 conference. Looks like this is going to happen.

Affordable housing and business opportunities headline ULI conference

The conference will be a meeting of the leading minds in the affordable housing and community development industry, and attendees will examine some of the most pressing issues facing communities. Read on.

Ag shippers may get on ILWU’s case

The Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC) is among those organizations that have been most strident about seaport reform. When their annual meeting takes place in San Francisco later this month, that mission may become even more urgent…thanks the recent bad faith actions of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) at the Port of Oakland.

ISM reports decent month for May manufacturing

The PMI, the ISM’s index to measure growth was up 1.3 percent compared to April at 52.8 (a PMI of 50 or greater represents growth), showing growth for the second straight month after five months of sequential declines, which had been in effect since October 2014. The current PMI is 2.1 percent below its 12-month average of 54.9.

MBA: Commercial, multifamily delinquencies keep dropping

Delinquency rates for commercial and multifamily mortgage loans continued to decline in the first quarter of 2015 thanks to several improvements in the market.

Supreme Court rejects 2nd lien stripping in Chapter 7 bankruptcies

In a boon to commercial lenders, the U.S. Supreme Court held in a unanimous decision that a debtor in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding may not void a junior mortgage lien when the debt owed on a senior mortgage lien exceeds the current value of the collateral.

LenderLive acquires Walz Group

LenderLive has completed the acquisition of Walz Group, a leading provider of regulatory compliance solutions, full-cycle critical document fulfillment and certified mail automation.

XPO ups the ante with investment partners

Non asset-based 3PL XPO Logistics has upped its equitable ante, announcing today it has entered into definitive agreements to raise $1.26 billion through entering into definitive agreements with the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, GIC-Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, and Public Sector Pension Investment board, with the net proceeds to be used by XPO to fund its ongoing growth strategy, the company said.