Servicing

Home prices ended the first quarter of 2013 similar to how they started the year: stable and in positive territory.

The percentage of consumers who were late on paying their home equity loans fell to 4.03%, their lowest level in three quarters.

As of April mortgage banks large and small are expected to ensure their loan originators take the so-called Uniform State Examination, which by default is relevant to servicers as well.

Ellington Management Group is moving into the rental home business.

To increase online banking efficiency USAlliance Federal Credit Union has partnered with cross-selling technology provider Micronotes.

Bell State Bank & Trust has completed the purchase of the Business Bank, including its Prime Mortgage division.

Federal regulators are warning banks and thrifts that they must comply with a flood insurance law passed last year that imposes penalties of $2,000 a day for failing to follow the force-placement provisions.

Effective April 1, insurance premiums on FHA loans will go up challenging borrowers and lenders to choose between federally insured loans and private insurance options.

The California attorney general has provided the National Housing Law Center a $1 million grant to spread the word about a new mortgage servicing law.

As Max Valdes retires after 25 years with the company, First American Financial Corp. is replacing him with Mark Seaton.