September sees new upturn in demand for second homes

More buyers were seriously considering a second-home purchase last month, and locked in mortgage rates to prepare for the transaction. Continue reading

What the US climate-risk review means for FHA, VA loans and more

Government agencies are looking to better quantify risks from climate change, a step with implications for government-backed home loans. Continue reading

Mortgage rates continue their ascent onward into mid-October

Rates creeped upward once again across all major mortgage types, part of a rise from their all-time lows earlier this year, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly lender survey. Continue reading

Foreclosures remain low as banks start to churn out post-ban filings

The number of foreclosed properties rose 34 percent in the third quarter of the year, but remained below their typical historical levels. Continue reading

Home equity startup Point powers first of its kind securitization

With co-sponsor Redwood Trust, Inc., Point has completed the first-ever securitization backed solely by residential Home Equity Investment agreements. The transaction, which closed on September 23, issued about $146 million of asset-backed securities. Continue reading

Mortgage rates hold steady following late-September spike

Mortgage rates barely changed a week after rising bond yields and Federal Reserve statements led to rate hikes across the board. Continue reading

Home prices could ‘moderate’ if mortgage rates keep rising

Mortgage rates are headed up as investors who fund home loans digest the prospects for long-term inflation and the Fed’s tapering plans. Continue reading

Homebuilders primed for big year of earnings. Here’s the stocks to watch

Anticipating a high demand for homes, a research team at JPMorgan Chase is bullish on several real-estate stocks and investment trusts, according to a new analysis. Continue reading

Mortgage rates continue to flatline ahead of Fed tapering details

Mortgage rates stayed the course this week as lenders continued to monitor the Federal Reserve’s tapering plans. Continue reading

The Evergrande crisis: Everything real estate agents need to know

One of China’s largest property developers is in dire financial straits, and the world is watching. What does it mean for the U.S. housing market, real estate agents and the economy? Continue reading