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

Mortgage rate gap among lenders wider than previously understood

A homebuyer taking out a $300,000 loan could end up overpaying by $1,200 a year — and even more if they’re in the market for a jumbo, FHA or VA mortgage, according to a new CFPB analysis. Continue reading

RE/MAX’s Motto Mortgage aims for 1,000 offices nationwide

Being named to Entrepreneur magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 list puts some wind in the sails of the company’s long-term goals. Continue reading

Homebuyers flinch as mortgage rates ascend toward 2023 highs

Purchase loan applications fell by a seasonally adjusted 4 percent last week as mortgage rates surged on debt ceiling and inflation worries. Continue reading

Economist explains that controversial FHFA fee change

There’s been a lot of talk about the FHFA’s fee increase, but economist Matthew Gardner thinks that, for the most part, it’s much ado about nothing. Continue reading

WFG swoops in to acquire nearly two dozen Doma title locations

The struggling digital title and closing provider is set to receive up to $24.5 million with earnouts “based on the retention of specified employees” by WFG Continue reading

Fannie Mae’s latest outlook is grim. 6 ways agents can beat the odds

There’s always a way that agents can position themselves for changing marketing conditions, and brokers can facilitate that process, according to broker owners Bridget Gilbert and Laura Garner. Continue reading

Rocket’s new 1% down mortgage also picks up tab for PMI

Lender estimates a hypothetical buyer putting down $2,500 on a $250,000 home could save $20,500 in private mortgage insurance payments over 7 years. Continue reading

Housing counseling agency sues its founder for alleged fraud

The National Asian American Coalition said only a small percentage of the counseling sessions it billed California $12 million for was actually provided. Continue reading

Republicans turn up heat on Fannie and Freddie mortgage fee flap

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has formally requested public feedback on what its goals and priorities should be in setting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s pricing structure. Continue reading