Mortgage originations among self-employed households have fallen more than for salaried households. This decline has occurred even though self-employed persons earn more on average than salaried workers. Here we discuss several factors that influence t… Continue reading
As the government shutdown drags on with no end in sight, Fannie Mae is tweaking its lending requirements to accommodate people who aren’t currently getting paychecks and whose bosses aren’t around to confirm their employment. Continue reading
Closing costs are on the rise (thanks mostly to taxes), so how can first-time buyers on a tight budget make sure they will have enough cash on hand before they sign a contract? Find out here what programs and data are available to help. Continue reading
On the heels of an increase in the conforming loan limits, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have rolled out new limits on the loan they started backing January 1, 2019. Continue reading
The Trump administration is preparing to nominate Mark Calabria to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the agency tasked with overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Continue reading
Venture capitalists, start-up founders, private equity professionals and many others will give you the inside scoop on what’s coming down the pipeline. Continue reading
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finally has a non-temporary leader. On Thursday, the Senate voted 50-49 along party lines, with no Democrat voting in support, to approve Kathy Kraninger as the new head of CFPB. Continue reading
Uncle Sam is getting serious about illicit money laundering, especially as it applies to real estate. Here’s what the Fed and four other regulatory agencies are doing to take action against financial crimes that affect our industry every day. Continue reading
Homebuying startups that offer quick sales to antsy sellers are fueling the steady incursion of mammoth investors into the single-family rental market. Continue reading
FinCEN now requires title insurance companies to identify the persons behind shell companies used in all-cash purchases of residential real estate. The purchase amount threshold, which previously varied by city, is now set at $300,000 for each covered … Continue reading