Mortgage rates headed past 7% after Powell warns Congress on inflation

Futures markets are taking the Fed chair at his word that policymakers may have to hike rates faster and take them higher to combat inflation Continue reading

Federal consumer watchdog flags mortgage servicers’ junk fees

The CFPB alleges mortgage servicers charged excessive late fees, assessed “fake” private mortgage insurance premiums and made homeowners pay for unnecessary inspections. Continue reading

After 3 months of improvement, homebuyer sentiment declines

Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey shows Americans are feeling less secure about keeping their jobs, and nearly 8 in 10 think it’s a bad time to buy a home. Continue reading

Guaranteed Rate rolls out ‘Same Day Mortgage’ nationwide

Properties must be eligible for an appraisal waiver, and like Better’s “One Day Mortgage,” some fine print can stand in the way of getting a loan approved in 24 hours. Continue reading

Black Knight ready to sell Empower to address antitrust concerns

A Deal with Constellation Software Inc. hinges on ICE closing the deal to acquire Black Knight, now valued at $11.7 billion. ICE says it’s prepared to fight FTC in court. Continue reading

Mr. Cooper names second chief financial officer in less than a year

Mortgage veteran Kurt Johnson, who held executive roles at Indymac Bank and OneWest Bank before joining Mr. Cooper in 2015, succeeds Jaime Gow as CFO, it was announced this week. Continue reading

Pandemic-fueled ‘lock-in effect’ likely to limit new spring listings

Black Knight data shows new listing volume is down 25 percent in January compared to pre-pandemic levels, the biggest drop since most of the country was in lockdown. Continue reading

Rocket, UWM cut a combined 9,500 positions in 2022, new filings show

Companies said that instead of laying off workers, they’re trimming their payrolls through attrition or by offering voluntary buyouts. Continue reading

Park National Bank latest lender to settle federal redlining charges

The Ohio bank’s $9 million pledge to promote ownership in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods is the sixth since the DOJ launched an initiative to combat redlining in October 2021, with lawsuits generating $84 million in relief to date. 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