Financial tech giant strikes deal to acquire Black Knight

Intercontinental Exchange has agreed to acquire Black Knight, a mortgage-industry service provider, at a valuation of $13.1 billion, it was announced Wednesday. Continue reading

Mortgage rates may level off as Fed unveils details of tightening plan

Mortgage rates may level off despite the biggest short-term interest rate hike in 20 years thanks to the certainty the Fed is providing about its plans to shrink its nearly $9 trillion balance sheet. Continue reading

Is now a good time to buy a home? Agents confront mortgage riddle

Buyers have watched mortgage rates shoot from 3 percent to 5 percent this year alone, and that common refrain — “Is it really the best time to buy?” — is always top of mind for clients, agents told Inman. Continue reading

Purchase loan demand perks up as mortgage rates plateau

MBA forecaster Joel Kan sees the uptick in loan requests as a “potentially a good sign for the spring home buying season, which has seen a slow start thus far.” Continue reading

Shared equity platform Point to launch down payment product

New offering will provide up to 15 percent of a home’s purchase price to put toward a down payment, helping buyers qualify for pricier homes and avoid private mortgage insurance. Continue reading

Mr. Cooper lays off originators while mortgage servicing business booms

Citing impact of rising rates on mortgage originations, Mr. Cooper laid off 250 workers during the first quarter, with more reductions in store. Continue reading

‘Caste’ author: Sordid history of unfair housing cannot be left as-is

Isabel Wilkerson urged attendees at the Realtors Legislative Meetings at NAR midyear to roll up sleeves and fix the consequences of past racist policies without guilt, shame, blame or emotion. Continue reading

Housing affordability races toward levels not seen since 2006 bubble

If mortgage rates rise by another half a percentage point — or if home prices go up another 5 percent — affordability will hit the worst levels on record, Black Knight warned on Monday. Continue reading

How an appraisal gap guarantee can help you land a house

In the current real estate market, buyers need to think outside the box to get a house they love. Bill Gassett offers advice on what to do if there are issues with appraisals. Continue reading