First American Financial Corp.

Radian Group's second-quarter earnings beat consensus estimates because of lower loan loss provisions than forecast, along with record new mortgage insurance written.

Purchasing power took a plunge in some of the nation's hottest housing markets, as a competitive spring purchasing season continues to drive home prices higher.

While purchase mortgages account for a growing share of overall volume, industrywide investments in more automated and efficient underwriting processes have helped lower instances of fraud.

While rising mortgage rates are top of mind for the industry after last week's increase in the federal funds rate, the housing market should be more concerned about limited home inventory, according to First American Financial Corp.

The ability-to-repay standard is responsible for the reduction in loan application defects over the past four-plus years, according to First American Financial.

From D.C. to Chicago, here's a look at the 12 cities where homebuyers are getting the best bang for their housing buck.

The home buying season is already shaping up to be especially competitive this year, as rising prices and mortgage rates are putting a damper on purchasing power in many once-affordable housing markets.

Here's a look at 12 cities where median home prices are under $200,000 and the combination of local wages and interest rates offer buyers the most purchasing power.

While mortgage application defect risk declined overall in March, at the local level it varied considerably, according to First American Financial Corp.'s Loan Application Defect Index.

Mortgage industry vendors' earnings varied based on the effectiveness of the strategies they used to contend with origination declines and other factors.