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S&P Dow Jones Indices, the largest provider of financial market indices in the world, announced the launch of the Dow Jones U.S. Select Equal Weight Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Index. The new index is designed to measure the performance of publicly traded REITs and REIT-like securities, serving as a proxy for direct real estate investment.

The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) is calling on the Small Business Administration to review the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) new rule on qualified mortgages, saying the provisions might drive out smaller lenders.

Despite recent turmoil for the financial services and mortgage banking industries, CoreLogic declared 2012 a pleasant economic surprise.

Potomac Mortgage Group, Inc. (PMG), one of the leading direct lenders in the Washington, D.C. area, announced the hiring of Sarah Pichardo as VP. Pichardo started her career in 2003, working quickly to establish herself as a top producer.

Elevated refinance activity under the Home Affordable Refinance Program continues to support overall growth in originations, according to LPS.

The FDIC announced that the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions shuttered Westside Community Bank on Friday. The bank's two branches are reopening as branches of Irvine, California's Sunwest Bank.

GSF Mortgage announced COO Chad Jampedro is now leading the Wisconsin-based company as president. Jampedro began his career at GSF in June 2001 as a loan originator at the company's Illinois branch. Since that time, he has held several positions within GSF, has earned his real estate license, and even served as president of the Wisconsin Mortgage Professional Association.

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.

The housing market felt December's chill as home sales, listings, and prices all slipped, according to Redfin's Real-Time Price Tracker. While it's not unusual to see the market cool off in the holiday season, December's decline in listings was considerable compared to the years prior. According to Redfin, listings were down 11.5 percent from November, 33 percent from December 2011, and 44 percent from December 2010. The lack of selection had a hindering effect on sales.

Zillow announced the renewal of its strategic marketing program with Century 21 Real Estate LLC, through which the company's listings will continue to automatically appear on the Yahoo! Zillow Real Estate Network.