After a decline in economic activity in the first quarter, research has shown that a complete turnaround is expected for the second quarter. Fannie Mae’s Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group found indicators of the U.S. experiencing a moderate rebound in economic growth for the current quarter.
Read More »Five Star Partners With Industry to Launch Mortgage Diversity Council
The AMDC's goal is to drive results that support the application and promotion of the mortgage industry's best diversity practices, and advancing solutions that support initiatives outlined by Section 342 of the Dodd-Frank Act–which focuses on minority and inclusion rules that call for greater supply chain diversity and greater diversity in hiring and promoting in the workforce.
Read More »Keeping Up with the Customer: Evolving the Retail Business Model to Stay Ahead of the Curve
In today’s environment, all retail lenders should be asking themselves, “What value am I truly offering a borrower?” We know that more and more consumers use an online, self-service option when making any retail purchase —mortgages included. When such convenience is available, why would a customer pay more to get a home loan from a retail lender instead? When faced with these questions, it is important to evolve your retail business model to stay ahead of the curve. Editor's note: This select print feature appeared in the June 2015 edition of MReport magazine, available now.
Read More »Housing Forecast Highlights Expected Changes for the Second Half of 2015
With the housing market still in recovery from the recession, homeownership is not a commodity that everyone can afford. In fact, it is a luxury. Forbes writer, Erin Carlyle pointed out a housing forecast titled "What to Expect in the Second Half of 2015" that the homeownership rate in 2005 was 69.1 percent, while today, it’s 63.7 percent, the lowest level the nation has seen since 1993. The forecast highlights that sellers are in an ideal market as the demand for housing is back, but for buyers, home prices are not very favorable and continue to rise.
Read More »Expert Analyzes Housing Market Strength in Oil Metros
Housing market watchers have been waiting to see what will happen in parts of the U.S. with heavy oil-related employment, according to CoreLogic’s report on their Insights Blog titled “Housing Market Strength in Oil Metros, Equity Position of Texas Oil Metros is Strong.” Between the fall of 2014 and this spring, oil prices fell 42 percent causing those who consistently monitor the housing market to wonder about the effect that this will have on the real estate industry.
Read More »Investors Revive Suit Against U.S. Bank Over $743 Billion Worth of RMBS
A group of dozens of investors, led by BlackRock, Inc., have revived a lawsuit in a New York state court that was dismissed in a federal court last month, accusing U.S. Bank of failing in its duties as trustee for more than $743 billion worth of mortgage backed securities.
Read More »Existing-Home Sales Reach Highest Peak in Six Years and Expected to Keep Rising
As first-time buyers return to the housing market, the total number of existing-home sales saw the largest increase in May than it has in nearly six years, according to a report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). May home sales experienced a growth spurt following April's decline and are now at their highest pace since November 2009.
Read More »BSI Financial Aims to Expand Management by Recruiting Three New Executives
BSI Financial Services (BSI Financial) recently announced three new appointments to its management team so that the company can prepare for growth in its core servicing and related business lines. John Lawrence assumes the position of EVP and Chief Servicing Officer, Akshay Singh is named Managing Director for Strategy and Corporate Development, and Michael Whitfield is also named VP for Loan Administration.
Read More »Alliant Hires New Florida Underwriting Counsel and VP
Alliant National Title Insurance Company, a title insurance underwriter that partners with Independent Agents to improve their competitive position in the marketplace, recently announced in a press release the hiring of Brenda J. Cannon, Esq. to the position of Florida Underwriting Counsel and VP.
Read More »Industry Anxiously Awaits Disparate Impact Ruling
With word the highly anticipated disparate impact ruling expected to come forth by the end of June, industry leaders cannot help but grow increasingly curious regarding this Supreme Court case. The Supreme Court heard the case of Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, et al. (Texas) v. Inclusive Communities Project, Inc. (IC) on January 21 and have yet to make a decision on this case.
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