Veros Real Estate Solutions announced its PATHWAY technology solution is ready to deliver Fannie Mae's proprietary appraisal messages.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac approved National Mortgage Insurance Corporation as an eligible mortgage insurer.

The U.S. housing market gained ground in November, according to CoreLogic's most recent Home Price Index (HPI) report. The data provider says November saw the biggest annual gain in home prices since May 2006. Nationally, home prices during the month rose 7.4 percent year-over-year, while also displaying a 0.3 percent improvement month-over-month. Looking ahead to December, CoreLogic's preliminary data show prices continuing upward by an estimated 7.9 percent year-over-year to close out 2012 on a high note.

The Federal Reserve announced it paid a record $88.9 billion to Treasury in 2012. The earnings are from Fed programs that were introduced to stimulate the economy and involve the purchase of billions in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) each month to keep interest rates down.

Linear Title and Closing announced plans to introduce a web portal just for consumers who have closed on a loan with the company. Through the portal, consumers can access their personal databases, such as the completed mortgage package, a detailed analysis of the flow of mortgage funds, any rebates due to them, and proof of the mortgage recordation, the Rhode Island-based company explained.

Nearly one-third--29.3 percent, or 20.6 million--of homeowners own their homes free and clear of mortgage debt, according to a recent analysis from Zillow. Zillow also revealed what factors might influence the percentage of homeowners who own their home outright in certain areas. For one, metro areas with lower home values tended to have a higher rate of mortgage-free homeowners since smaller loan amounts can be paid off more quickly. Age and credit rating were also contributing factors.

In November, the National Association of Realtors' Housing Affordability Index reached 198.2, up 1.5 points from a year ago. The association projects the index will achieve a record high of 194 for 2012. However, record high affordability doesn't necessarily translate into more homeowners, as "excessively tight underwriting precluded many would-be homebuyers from locking-in generational low interest rates," explained chief economist Lawrence Yun.

Walter Investment Management Corp. announced two definitive agreements Monday--one with Bank of America and another with MetLife Bank.

Rekon Technologies announced the promotion of Jim Su to VP of software development. In his new role, Su is charged with overseeing the technology operations of Rekon's software programmers and managing the company's quality assurance team.

CoesterVMS announced that as of January 1, it has implemented the first flat fee model for residential appraisals. Through the new model, all conventional appraisals are priced at $450 while appraisals are $475. The Rockville, Maryland-based appraisal management company (AMC) explained a tiered fee structure is generally utilized, which determines prices based on the property type or location.