DOJ’s data sharing statement has implications for MLSs, associations

The DOJ’s recent statement, made in relation to a lawsuit against pork producers, notes that the sharing of information among competitors could violate antitrust law “even without proof of an agreement to fix prices.” Continue reading

Debate over title insurance alternatives is heating up again

Republican attorneys general in 14 states urge Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s federal regulator to kill a pilot program that allows some borrowers to refi without obtaining title insurance. Continue reading

UWM expands program that dispenses with title insurance

Nation’s largest mortgage lender says brokers “will no longer need to work with a title company or settlement agent for title work, balancing fees, scheduling closing or any related communication.” Continue reading

Biden’s relaxed new Freddie, Fannie refi requirements irk title industry

In a pilot program announced last week, the Biden administration cleared the way for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to let some homeowners refinance mortgages without paying for title insurance. Continue reading

Utah 1st state to ban long-term listing agreements enforced by lien

Legislation expected to go into effect April 1 addresses allegedly deceptive tactics employed by MV Realty and was based on a model bill drafted by American Land Title Association. Continue reading

Mortgage finance veteran Nick Smith joins Voxtur’s board

The mortgage data analytics provider that is pioneering attorney title opinion letters had previously expanded digital asset capabilities with a $101 million Blue Water acquisition. Continue reading

‘Homeowner benefit agreements’ in spotlight amid MV Realty probe

North Carolina regulators are investigating alleged predatory and deceptive practices by Florida-based MV Realty, which operates in 33 states and has more than 500 licensed agents. Continue reading

UWM can rapidly scale new loans that lack title insurance

The wholesale lender is hiring and training lawyers to generate attorney opinion letters in-house in order to meet what the company expects to be strong demand. Continue reading

‘Big four’ title insurers take market share from independents

As lenders pivoted from refinancing to more complex purchase loan transactions, independent title insurers saw second-quarter premiums drop by 18.4 percent. Continue reading

In record year for title insurers, ‘big four’ maintain market share

Title insurance premiums surged 36 percent in 2021 to a record $26.2 billion as low mortgage rates spurred refinancings, according to an analysis released Friday by the American Land Title Association. Continue reading