Tag Archives: mortgage

Female renters have a harder time buying a home than their male counterparts. According to recent analysis, this is due to several factors, including lower wages, more student loan debt, more risk aversion, and lower credit scores. Closing the wage gap could help, though that isn't projected to happen until 2052.

Alterra Home Loans, a minority-owned mortgage bank based in Las Vegas and with a presence in 26 states, announced Monday the addition of Tom Middleton as SVP of Business Development and National Expansion.

Representatives from the leading mortgage servicers and default servicing law firms in the U.S. met to discuss issues currently impacting business. Attendees listed to several panels and speakers to learn more about changes and issues the industry faces.

The House of Representatives has amended HR 1694, extending the nine exemptions of the Freedom of Information Act to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The amendment was sponsored by Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Georgia). Passed in April, HR 1694 requires the GSEs to adhere to the FOIA, something they've never had to do since entering conservatorship in 2008.

A new poll shows about half of non-homeowning Americans plan to buy a home in the next five years. Another 20 percent will buy in the next decade. Intent to purchase was highest with those between 35 and 54, as well as those located in the Southern U.S.

Friday’s employment report for April from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed strong growth overall, but the same could not be said for the mortgage industry. Industry professionals called the report's mortgage job data "disappointing," but the jump in growth in all jobs could mean further rate hikes from the Fed.

Despite sluggish economic growth in Q1 and the widely held assumption that the Fed would raise rates at least two more times this year, the Federal Open Market Committee opted to keep the federal funds rate as is at its May meeting. Raised in March, the rate currently sits at 1 percent. The Committee cited job gains and lower unemployment as factors in its decision.

A new report suggests that business analysts play a vital role in lender success. But finding mortgage-savvy ones? That’s not always easy. Lenders should take action to develop BA candidates internally for best results. / According to a new report, business analysts are crucial to a lender’s success. But a “dearth” in the industry makes mortgage-savvy BA candidates hard to find. In most cases, developing BAs internally is the best course of action for a lender.

Quicken Loans announced Casey Hurbis is joining the company as Chief Marketing Officer. Hurbis, recognized for re-introducing the FIAT brand in the U.S. after more than 25 years of absence, will take responsibility for all Quicken marketing, both online and off, and will manage Quicken’s home lending brand.

The average American renter can now purchase a home more expensive than the nation’s median home value, while keeping their monthly housing budget the same. This was true in 37 out of 50 markets analyzed. The current national median rent is $1,416 per month—just enough to handle the monthly costs of a property valued at $289,505, including property taxes, maintenance, and insurance payments.