What We're Hearing

There appears to be anecdotal evidence that things might be looking up for loan brokers -- ever so slightly, that is. One positive sign comes from Total Mortgage Services of Milford, Conn. Come January TMS is launching a national wholesale platform. It has already hired a manager to run the thing, we're told. Details coming shortly. Also, it appears that Chaseis cranking up its hiring. See Bonnie Sinnock's story on the National Mortgage News website early this afternoon. Meanwhile: Not only did the White House and Congress extend the homebuyer tax credit through the spring but they are giving an added break to "qualified" officials who are on "extended duty" overseas. Presumably, this means homebuyers who are serving in the armed forces overseas but also could mean federal officials in the diplomatic corps. For these individuals, the tax credit extension is for an additional year -- in addition to the extension...