Finance

Gradual agency guarantee-fee increases are going to continue, Federal Housing Finance Agency acting director Edward DeMarco reaffirmed.

Sue Allon, CEO and chairman of the firm, confirmed the layoff to National Mortgage News adding that the measure is “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

The Federal Trade Commission has updated its guidelines for anti-identity theft programs.

Refinancings are holding steady, but “have leveled off a little bit.

An originator's point of view on how consumers should shop for their loan.

With 3,500 registered attendees and countless "unofficial" ones walking the halls of the Hyatt Regency, the 2012 Mortgage Bankers Association annual convention had a positive vibe not seen in several years. The theme was "Investing in the American Dream." There were many references to the presidential election, including multiple cutouts of candidates Barack Obama and Mitt Romney in the trade show.

The American Securitization Forum has formally issued a comment letter supportive of a GSE single securitization platform.

If mortgage banking were a stock, how would you trade it? Discuss amongst yourselves.

The Federal Housing Administration is in the process of settling terms with five investors who first placed their bids in September.

Mortgage bankers are bracing for more guarantee-fee hikes from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the months ahead.

Home loan closings were impacted as re-examinations and other forms of inspections needed to take place.

MVB Bank has agreed to purchase Potomac Mortgage Group for $19 million in cash and stock.

Freddie Mac has announced its last new offering of multifamily structured pass through “K” certificates for the year, a $1.1 billion deal set to price this week.

However, the American Bankers Association, Consumer Mortgage Coalition, Independent Community Bankers of America, Mortgage Bankers Association and the Housing Policy Council of the Financial Services Roundtable have “several concerns” about Phase 2 of the MBS proposal.

The new Redwood Trust notes offer investors a yield of 5.6% and mature in six years.

Late last week Credit Suisse came to market with a $330 million jumbo deal, which contains a wrinkle on representation and warranty clauses.

The House of Representatives passed an immigration bill that uses Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan guarantee fees to pay for the new visa program.

More jumbo MBS deals may be on the way.

Fannie Mae reported forward commitments—a barometer of future activity—of $96.7 billion, the highest reading in over three years.

Prospect Mortgage has been hiring some heavy hitters of late, causing tongues to wag.