The Five Star Institute announced Monday the formation of the National Appraisal Congress (NAC). In response to a developing need for thought leadership and the promotion of best practices and execution, the NAC will serve as a collection of subject matter experts to foster collaboration in the real estate appraisal industry. Jordan Petkovski, a veteran of the residential appraisal industry of more than 15 years, was named the committee's chairman.
Read More »Economist Examines Correlation Between Tech Boom and Home Prices
What sort of affect has the technology boom had on housing affordability in so-called ""tech hub"" markets? In a recent blog post, Trulia chief economist Jed Kolko argues that a higher price of living isn't a new problem for most tech-centric metros. Instead, he says, these markets are experiencing the lasting effects of having been some of the worst-hit during the bubble's collapse, contributing to their relatively larger price rebounds compared to most the country.
Read More »CFPB Enhances Mortgage Data Tool
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) unveiled a new tool Friday aimed at making Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data more user-friendly.
Read More »First American Strikes Deal to Acquire Interthinx
First American Financial Corporation, a company specializing in title insurance, settlement services, and risk solutions for participants in real estate transactions, announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Interthinx, Inc.
Read More »Consumer Views Improve on Mortgage Access
Consumers apparently haven't gotten the memo that mortgage standards are tightening, if responses to Fannie Mae's January National Housing Survey are any indication: Fifty-two percent of respondents in the company's latest survey said they think it would be easy to get a mortgage today, reflecting a climb of 2 percentage points. The number of consumers saying it would be difficult to obtain a loan fell 3 points, meanwhile, dropping to 45 percent.
Read More »Kroll Announces Additional Integrations with Ellie Mae Platform
Kroll Factual Data, Inc., announced the integration of several of its products into Ellie Mae's Encompass mortgage management solution.
Read More »New York Regulator Halts Ocwen MSR Deal
A recently announced deal between Ocwen and Wells Fargo on $39 billion in mortgage servicing rights has been halted by the New York Department of Financial Services amid investigations of alleged abusive behavior toward borrowers. Ocwen announced Thursday the indefinite hold on the deal by the New York Department of Financial Services headed by Benjamin Lawsky. In its release, Ocwen pledged to work with the regulator to resolve concerns about its servicing portfolio growth.
Read More »Report: Fannie and Freddie Ignored Warnings on Potential Problem Loans
A new report from the Office of the Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA OIG) finds the GSEs continue to purchase loans with red flags. After being directed to develop a uniform collateral data portal to assist in quality control, FHFA OIG says both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac made billions in purchases last year despite warnings from the portal regarding underwriting standards, property valuations, and even the state of appraisers' licenses.
Read More »Guardian Mortgage COO Named Among Professionals to Watch
In Texas, Guardian Mortgage's own EVP and COO has been honored as one of the Next 40 Mortgage Professionals to Watch by National Mortgage Professional Magazine, the company announced. Cari McCue earned a place on the list based on votes from industry peers from all around the country.
Read More »More Markets Returning to Pre-Recession Health
As of February, 58 out of approximately 350 metro areas nationwide have either returned to or exceeded their last ""normal"" levels of economic and housing activity.
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