Mortgage bankers take a stand against tri-merge credit reporting

Consumer group say FHFA’s plan to pit VantageScore 4.0 against older FICO Classic score will make “anti-competitive natures of the credit scoring market even worse.” Continue reading

Mortgage trigger leads will be less crazy, but they ain’t going away

Loopholes in new law mean credit bureaus will still be able to sell applicants’ information to their current lender, servicer or bank — a boon for lenders who also service their own loans. Continue reading

Homebuyers sue brokerage they allege steered them to lender

Raleigh Realty and CrossCountry Mortgage are accused in six separate lawsuits of operating an illegal “pay-to-play” scheme in violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). Continue reading

Homebuilders cry ‘uncle’ as duties on Canadian lumber hit 27%

NAHB urges Trump administration to negotiate new softwood lumber agreement with Canada “that will provide a fair and equitable solution to all parties and eliminate tariffs altogether.” Continue reading

‘Meme stock’ surge lifts Opendoor out of delisting danger zone

While shares in rival iBuyer Offerpad also went on a rollercoaster ride in July, the company’s market capitalization remains below the New York Stock Exchange’s $50 million minimum requirement. Continue reading

Mortgage rates drop with stocks on surprise jobs report and new tariffs

Trump announces new tariffs on dozens of countries beginning Aug. 7, fires BLS commissioner after revised jobs report shows dramatic slowdown in payroll growth in May and June. Continue reading

Rocket seeing ‘awesome early data’ from Redfin acquisition

CEO Varun Krishna says lender has already seen a surge in leads and higher conversion rates from the Redfin deal, thanks to “cross pollination” of leads, agent referrals and mortgage applications. Continue reading

Commission lawsuits? AI? Clear Cooperation? Fuggedaboutit

Side’s Guy Gal says the greatest threat to the industry are Realtor associations, multiple listing services and brokerages that depend on inexperienced agents to generate profits. Continue reading

In split vote, Fed policymakers snub Trump, leave rates unchanged

With job market stable and economy chugging along, futures market investors now think the odds of a September rate cut are less than even. Continue reading

Homebuyers still have jitters about the economy and job market

Mortgage rates have stabilized and more inventory is coming online, but applications for purchase loans fell by a seasonally adjusted 6 percent last week compared to the week before. Continue reading