Technology

Hollywood heavyweight Jeffrey Katzenberg has put his swanky estate in Deer Park, Utah, on the market. Katzenberg, currently the CEO of DreamWorks Animation, listed the luxurious log cabin ski chalet for $20.5 million, according to Realestalker.

CoreLogic announced an enhanced version of its OnSite report. OnSite Plus provides an overall condition rating based on two things: a patent-pending algorithm and an inspection by a licensed real estate professional.

Churchill Mortgage is taking to the airwaves to support the company's educational initiatives for loan officers. Recently launching a new partnership with Ron Quintero, CEO of the Real Estate Radio Network, Churchill will gain support for company clients choosing to utilize its tools for recruiting, training, motivating, and retaining quality lending professionals.

Living legend Alex Rodriguez has put his Miami estate on the market for $38 million. Curbed reports that the Yankee's player is rumored to have spent more than $24 million to build the 20,000-square-foot Florida mansion, which includes nine-bedrooms, 13-bathrooms, 275-feet of waterfront, two docks, a gymnasium, full steam room, and of course, a batting cage.

The Mortgage Bankers Association is welcoming a new partner, recently announcing that United States Appraisals has joined the group's membership. United States Appraisals' standing with the District of Columbia-based MBA is effective immediately. United States Appraisals' standing with the District of Columbia-based MBA is effective immediately. "We are very pleased to align ourselves with an organization like the MBA," stated Aaron Fowler, president of United States Appraisals.

Genworth Financial's U.S. Mortgage Insurance (USMI) division has initiated two key management changes. The company recently announced the promotion of John Clifford to senior vice president of commercial operations, as well as the return of Matt Young, who will rejoin USMI as its senior vice president of sales.

Even television stars are feeling the impact of the housing crisis. In Malibu, California, former soap opera star Jackie Zeman is fighting off foreclosure, recently listing her posh pad for $2.699 million.

Though the United Kingdom is currently in the spotlight as host for the 2012 Olympic Games, British lenders have their own reason to celebrate this summer, following the release of a study that shows a significant uptick in first-time homebuyers. The Council of Mortgage Lenders in Manchester, England, is reporting that the number of first-time mortgage loan recipients in the country is up 22 percent year-over-year.

Amherst Securities Group, LP, is welcoming a new leader for its fixed income securities division. The company recently announced the appointment of Dan Derby as vice president of the unit.

New American Funding has a reason to celebrate the end of summer thanks to a recent honor bestowed on the company by _Top_ _Agent_ _Magazine_. The publication recently named New American├â┬ó├óÔÇÜ┬¼├óÔÇ×┬ós managing director, Patty Arvielo, to its annual roster of Top California Mortgage Vendors.