Tag Archives: Markets & Economy

Homeowner equity increased 3% during Q1

By Ben Verde | May 11, 2022 - 9:01 pm |May 11, 2022 Uncategorized

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Nearly 45 percent of homes were considered equity rich, up from 41.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2021, and just 31.9 percent in the first quarter of 2021. Continue reading →

Digital title insurer Doma laying off 310 employees as refis plummet

By Matt Carter | May 11, 2022 - 8:24 pm |May 11, 2022 Uncategorized

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Executives say the layoffs will save the company about $30 million a year and help it bring its technology to bear on purchase mortgages. Continue reading →

Homebuyers showing ‘some resiliency’ to higher rates

By Matt Carter | May 11, 2022 - 7:50 pm |May 11, 2022 Uncategorized

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A lender survey shows demand for purchase mortgages rose for a second week in a row, but borrowers are increasingly turning to adjustable-rate loans. Continue reading →

Lumber prices seesaw lower, and some homebuilders aren’t happy

By Daniel Houston | May 11, 2022 - 4:47 pm |May 11, 2022 Uncategorized

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The price of lumber took a big dip to start the week, just the latest unexpected shift in the cost of building a new home. Continue reading →

Foreclosure activity ticks down slightly in April

By Ben Verde | May 11, 2022 - 4:01 am |May 11, 2022 Uncategorized

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Foreclosure completions saw the most dramatic decrease of the month, dropping 36 percentage points, with lenders repossessing 2,830 properties. Continue reading →

LoanDepot to lay off workers as originations plunge 48%

By Matt Carter | May 10, 2022 - 7:39 pm |May 10, 2022 Uncategorized

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LoanDepot will lay off workers and suspend its quarterly dividend after posting a $91.3 million first quarter loss. Continue reading →

In record year for title insurers, ‘big four’ maintain market share

By Matt Carter | May 10, 2022 - 2:02 pm |May 10, 2022 Uncategorized

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Title insurance premiums surged 36 percent in 2021 to a record $26.2 billion as low mortgage rates spurred refinancings, according to an analysis released Friday by the American Land Title Association. Continue reading →

Homebuyer sentiment hits another new record low

By Matt Carter | May 9, 2022 - 6:21 pm |May 9, 2022 Uncategorized

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A record low 19 percent of Americans say it’s a good time to buy a home, according to a monthly survey Fannie Mae’s been conducting since 2010. Continue reading →

More sellers are dropping their prices, but buyers see little relief

By Ben Verde | May 9, 2022 - 4:25 pm |May 9, 2022 Uncategorized

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Fifteen percent of homesellers dropped their asking price during the four-week period ending May 1, compared to 9 percent of sellers last year. Continue reading →

Does a good earnings season foreshadow trouble ahead?

By Jim Dalrymple II | May 9, 2022 - 9:00 am |May 9, 2022 Uncategorized

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Many real estate companies did very well during the first quarter of 2022, but their leaders also repeatedly mentioned the specter of “headwinds” on the horizon. Continue reading →