First American Financial Corp.

Loan defect risk rose in only three states and a handful of metropolitan regions in June thanks to the continuing spread of digital mortgage initiatives that improve data quality.

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.

There is now less fraud risk associated with adjustable-rate mortgage applications and this will offset some of the higher hazard associated with a purchase market.

Here's a look at the states where home purchasing power is improving, bucking the national trends of inventory shortages and rising prices.

It is important for lenders to understand in what locations and property types their application fraud risk rests as the market share of purchase loans rises.

Low home inventory continues to put upward pressure on home prices, but affordability strains may be overstated, according to First American Financial Corp.

Here's a look at 12 cities where home prices are high, but local market conditions make them surprisingly affordable.

Lower mortgage loan origination volume in 2018, on top of 2017's decline, will lead to further reduction in title insurer profitability and a possible increase of merger activity.

After surging earlier in the year, the number of mortgage loan application defects remained flat in November, a positive sign when it comes to fraud incidents going forward.

Supply constraints tempered real estate and title professionals' outlook for the home purchase market over the next year, according to First American Financial Corp.'s fourth quarter Real Estate Sentiment Index.

Bank of America is exiting the mortgage lien release business by entering into an agreement to sell this unit to First American Financial Corp.