Origination

The use of financing to buy fix and flip properties increased 35% annually by dollar volume to its highest level in nearly 12 years, according to Attom Data Solutions.

After a sustained downward trajectory, nondepository mortgage companies added 1,200 workers in April, a modest boost for lenders during prime season for the housing market.

Freddie Mac plans to introduce a mortgage this month that will simultaneously finance the purchase price of the home and improvements that will be completed after closing with a single loan.

Median sale prices for Oahu homes dipped last month in what continued a trend this year of light, mostly downward movement for the broad measure of Honolulu housing costs.

The Puget Sound housing market continues to splinter into hot and cold sectors — with substantially more heat the farther south you move — but the trend may be moderating as buyers and sellers adjust their expectations.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending June 7.

The agency's vote Thursday threatens to block many of the industry's communications with customers, though banks did win one concession.

While home equity gains realized their lowest increase since 2012, the first quarter's rate still helped pull borrowers from underwater as the equity total compiled $5.6 trillion in seven years, according to CoreLogic.

Independent mortgage banks became profitable again at the start of the year after realizing losses of $200 for each loan they originated in the fourth quarter of 2018, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

A long list of "preparatory steps" means that any potential Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac initial public offerings are at least three to four years away, according to Raymond James.