Cotality and Ascend licensed to generate FICO scores for lenders

Fair Isaac’s Mortgage Direct License Program is aimed at eliminating mark-ups charged by credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — backers of competing VantageScore. Continue reading

Freddie Mac taps retired Deloitte consultant Kenny Smith as CEO

Smith’s expertise in financial services was cited as an asset as the Trump administration prepares to sell part of its ownership stake in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in a public offering. Continue reading

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are quietly stockpiling mortgages

Monthly purchases of $13 billion in mortgages and MBS may be taking pressure off mortgage rates — and setting the stage for a more attractive public offering. Continue reading

FHA will back loans up to $1.249M in high-cost markets next year

Popular with first-time homebuyers, FHA loans have higher delinquency rates, and borrowers are more likely to end up underwater or in foreclosure when home prices fall. Continue reading

FHA will back loans up to $1.249M in high-cost markets next year

Popular with first-time homebuyers, FHA loans have higher delinquency rates, and borrowers are more likely to end up underwater or in foreclosure when home prices fall. Continue reading

Rate cuts, podcasts, buyer’s agents: Inman’s Top 5

Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers. Continue reading

DoJ whiffs in third attempt to indict Trump nemesis Letitia James

Since the original charges against James were thrown out in November, the DoJ has reportedly tried and failed to obtain indictments from two different federal grand juries. Continue reading

Gen Z is ready to buy: Boost your business by mastering co-buying

Zoomer co-buying is on the rise. Knowing what makes this generation tick and how to help them architect a deal will lead agents to a new stream of income in a stalled market, writes Annette DeCicco.  Continue reading

Homebuyer demand stays strong as mortgage rates stabilize near 2025 lows: MBA lender surveys

With mortgage rates still hovering near 2025 lows, purchase loan applications hit their second-highest level of the year last week after adjusting for seasonal factors. Continue reading

Rep. Eric Swalwell sues Pulte, FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

One of four Democrats subjected to criminal referrals by Pulte, Swalwell claims FHFA director “exercises unchecked control” over the mortgage giants and has abused his position by scouring their databases to concoct unfounded accusations of mortgage fr… Continue reading