Technology

In Washington, D.C., the Real Estate Roundtable has announced its new roster of directors. The organization recently appointed members of the board for the 2013 fiscal year, and the Roundtable's incoming chairman and 21-person board began their terms on July 1.

The American Guild of Appraisers has officially filed a statement with Congressional legislators as part of a recent hearing titled, Appraisal Oversight: The Regulatory Impact on Consumers and Businesses. Conducted by the Insurance, Housing, and Community Opportunity Committee of the House Finance Sub-Committee, the AGA was asked to submit a statement of record to assist the lawmakers as they proposals directed at improving appraisal regulation, enforcement, and oversight. AGA said that it is also working with consumer organizations to ensure that consumers receive professional appraisals.

The California State Legislature has officially passed the Homeowner Bill of Rights. The proposal was originally put forth by the state's Attorney General Kamala Harris, and the legislation is now in the hands of Governor Jerry Brown, whose signature would finalize the law. According to a recent release from the California State Legislature, the law would "institute sensible reforms to bank's foreclosure practices and create a fairer foreclosure process for California's homeowners." The bill would also end current dual-tracking processes for foreclosures.

Allonhill is welcoming a new managing director of sales. The independent, third-party review firm recently announced that Shelly Schwieso will join Allonhill's roster of industry professionals.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage slumped back to a new, record-breaking low, as manufacturing fell behind and more investors turned to the safe haven of Treasury debt. Zillow found that interest rates for the loan fell to 3.43 percent, beating a previous low of 3.48 percent for the real estate Web site and setting a new record since it started reporting interest rates in 2008. Interest rates for the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.87 percent, while those for 5- and 1-year adjustable-rate mortgages hovered at 2.43 percent.

Lending Processing Services, Inc., announced today that it has acquired LendingSpace, a provider of mortgage loan origination software solutions. The LendingSpace technology platform is expected to boost LPS├â┬ó├óÔÇÜ┬¼├óÔÇ×┬ó origination technology solutions, including Empower and PCLender, programs used by mortgage lenders, credit unions, and community banks. The LendingSpace product suite features a lending platform that includes full web-enabled capabilities to enhance collaboration between retail originators and their lending partners.

CoesterVMS is welcoming a new senior vice president of operations. The company recently appointed industry veteran Robert T. Chasteen to the leadership position.

WFG Title Insurance Company is expanding its industry footprint. The organization, which is part of the Williston Financial Group family of companies, recently announced plans to open a retail title office in Irvine, California.

Superstar soccer player Landon Donovan has put his California estate on the market. According to Zillow's blog, Donovan has listed his home in Manhattan Beach, California, for $4.295 million. The property, which was once featured on MTV Cribs, boasts two separate compounds on site.

Two new board members have been appointed at Platinum Data, and the valuation technology provider is preparing to welcome seasoned executives Hunter Atkins and John LaMacchia to the company's directorship. In an official statement, Platinum noted that the company hopes to capitalize on their leadership "during the next phase of its growth and expansion."