In international real estate news, True Green Energy Group (TGEG) is teaming up with the president and CEO of Universal Resources Development Incorporated (URD) to create housing projects in the Philippines. TGEG, which is based in the country, will become partners with Paul Lu of URD in the development, in collaboration with CJ Consortium Group, Inc., and its various partners.

In California, one city is on the decline, with San Diego reporting an 8 percent drop in home sales year-over-year for the month of October. The survey from The Berkland Group notes that the shrinking housing numbers in the city didn't discriminate, affecting all price ranges, but having the greatest impact on the upper end of the real estate market among homes priced between $500,000 and $900,000.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a buyer for $15 billion in mortgage servicing rights from the financial institution, with the announcement that Ocwen Financial Corp. would purchase the bank's MSRs for a rumored $950 million. Ocwen's acquisition follows the company's decision to raise $375 million in new equity through offering 25 million shares of public common stock.

Ellie Mae has appointed a new chief operating officer, with the announcement that Jonathan Corr will be taking over the executive role. Corr has previously been responsible for the company's corporate and product strategy in his position as Ellie Mae├â┬ó├óÔÇÜ┬¼├óÔÇ×┬ós executive vice president and chief strategy officer.

A new strategic partnership between LoanSifter, Inc., and Google will give consumers access to online mortgage lending and real-time pricing. Through Google's comparison ads, LoanSifter will facilitate the comparison of loan products among multiple providers using its technology platforms.

New York developer Related Cos. has been served. The company received a subpoena from the inspector general of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as part of its investigation into business transactions between the entity and Fannie Mae. In early 2011, Related entered into a joint venture with the GSE, and through the deal, Related gained an investment stake in multiple apartment properties that were in foreclosure via Fannie. Reports signal that the FHFA's legal pursuit is only after a portion of the transaction.

A new online initiative from RE/MAX turns the spotlight on global real estate markets from Brazil to New Zealand. The company just launched Global.Remax.Com, and the site will be the first web-based portal that gives consumers access to details on home listings in countries around the world.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have selected a new integration platform provider, with the announcement that Solidifi U.S. will become one of the GSE's partners for their Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP) module. Part of the Uniform Mortgage Data Program (UMDP), the UCDP acts as the sole portal for the submission of electronic appraisal information to the GSEs, and the technology initiative from Fannie and Freddie targets the enhancement of quality and consistency across all appraisal-related activities.

A new head of investor relations has been announced at Lender Processing Services, with the appointment of Nancy Murphy to the leadership role. Formerly the director of investment relations for fashion retailer Stein Mart Inc., Murphy is returning to the financial industry, where she spent most of her career prior to joining the clothing company.

REALTOR Magazine has announced this year's winners of the publication's Good Neighbor Awards program, targeting realtors whose commitment to community development sets them apart. Annually, REALTOR honors five individuals for their volunteer work and achievements in community improvement, and the magazine's elite list focuses on those in the real estate industry who stand out as key leaders in all aspects of their lives, both personal and professional.