Healthy FHA reserves justify premium cuts, lenders say

Private mortgage insurers are hoping to head off another FHA premium cut, like the 35 percent reduction approved last year by the Biden administration that’s project to save homebuyers $5.1 billion over 10 years. Continue reading

Private mortgage insurers again losing market share to FHA, VA

FHA premium cuts spur growth, but borrowers with stellar credit can still do better taking out conventional Fannie Mae- or Freddie Mac-eligible mortgages with private mortgage insurance. Continue reading

ICE on a signing spree for new ‘mortgage tech ecosystem’

In pursuit of a bigger slice of an estimated $14 billion market after Black Knight acquisition, Intercontinental Exchange signs 37 new Encompass clients and four new servicing clients. Continue reading

LoanDepot lets buyers cover FHA down payment with 2nd mortgage

Available everywhere except New York, loanDepot’s new “accessZERO” program provides a down payment of up to 5 percent in the form of a 10-year fully amortized second mortgage. Continue reading

Private mortgage insurers have friends in high places

House lawmakers ask SEC not to hinder a system that private mortgage insurers have used to transfer nearly $68 billion in risk since 2015. Continue reading

Real estate industry welcomes FHA premium cuts, with caveats

Cuts are expected to save borrowers $678 million a year but don’t apply to existing loans or release homeowners who have built up equity from “life-of-loan” requirements. Continue reading

Essent scooping up Finance of America’s title businesses for $100M

The struggling lender’s pivot to reverse mortgages creates an opportunity for the big private mortgage insurer to acquire Agents National Title and Boston National Title. Continue reading

NAR: New Fannie and Freddie mortgage fees will hit middle class

Mortgage giants’ federal regulator eliminates upfront fees for first-time homebuyers of limited means, but some better-off borrowers will see increases. Continue reading

Industry groups renew push for lower FHA mortgage premiums

The Black Homeownership Collaborative also asks HUD to ditch a “life of loan” requirement that forces homeowners to continue paying mortgage insurance premiums in perpetuity. Continue reading

Credit union invites members to back zero-down mortgages

Blue Federal Credit Union is partnering with real estate agents to find creditworthy borrowers for creative “no-money-down” mortgage program. Continue reading