Economist explains that controversial FHFA fee change

There’s been a lot of talk about the FHFA’s fee increase, but economist Matthew Gardner thinks that, for the most part, it’s much ado about nothing. Continue reading

WFG swoops in to acquire nearly two dozen Doma title locations

The struggling digital title and closing provider is set to receive up to $24.5 million with earnouts “based on the retention of specified employees” by WFG Continue reading

Fannie Mae’s latest outlook is grim. 6 ways agents can beat the odds

There’s always a way that agents can position themselves for changing marketing conditions, and brokers can facilitate that process, according to broker owners Bridget Gilbert and Laura Garner. Continue reading

Rocket’s new 1% down mortgage also picks up tab for PMI

Lender estimates a hypothetical buyer putting down $2,500 on a $250,000 home could save $20,500 in private mortgage insurance payments over 7 years. Continue reading

Housing counseling agency sues its founder for alleged fraud

The National Asian American Coalition said only a small percentage of the counseling sessions it billed California $12 million for was actually provided. Continue reading

Republicans turn up heat on Fannie and Freddie mortgage fee flap

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has formally requested public feedback on what its goals and priorities should be in setting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s pricing structure. Continue reading

Mortgage demand slips with homebuyers wary of rate volatility

Rise in mortgage rates defies expectations as unusually wide “spread” between 10-year Treasury yields and mortgages reflects investor fears of another refi wave. Continue reading

Wells Fargo agrees to pay $1B to settle shareholder lawsuit

Investors claimed they were misled about bank’s progress in fixing governance and oversight issues that came to light in wake of 2016 “fake accounts” scandal. Continue reading

Freddie Mac spotlights lenders for promoting affordable loans

UWM, Rocket and Fairway were enthusiastic backers of Freddie Mac’s Home Possible mortgage in 2022, which lets low-income homebuyers put as little as 3 percent down. Continue reading

Encompass users gain access to title data with Flueid integration

ICE Mortgage Technology’s popular loan origination system connected to Flueid Decision for underwriter-backed title clearance decisions on properties. Continue reading