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Less than a year after a Series C capital raise, the title insurer formerly known as States Title is about to complete a merger with a special purpose acquisition company.

Also: MeridianLink announces pricing of its IPO, mortgage rates fall following COVID-19 worries, FHFA change

The shift to higher-margin home purchase policies helped to boost results at First American, Old Republic and Stewart.

Forgoing traditional mortgages by buying homes outright is turning into a 2021 trend, and businesses are stepping in to facilitate these purchases.

Also: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac loan modifications reach a pandemic high, Recreational marijuana is a gateway drug to higher home prices

JPMorgan Chase's home lending results established the early trend among publicly-traded companies in the second quarter.

Also, digital platforms LenderClose, Reggora, UpEquity continue 2021 growth, Evolve gains a VP in E-Notary Seal acquisition and former NewRez CEO becomes board chairman at Keystone Funding.

Local mortgage and real estate professionals give insight on the metro areas projected to experience the highest appreciation over the next year, according to Zillow.

Also: Private equity firms to buy Lereta, mortgage rates continue to fall & mortgage applications decline for a second week

The White House's firing of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria sparked immediate speculation about who will run the agency and help chart the future of the two mortgage giants. Potential nominees include ex-Obama administration officials, congressional staffers and members of the Biden transition team.