Origination

Freddie Mac's net income increased to $4.8 billion in the fourth quarter, more than double what it earned a quarter earlier, the government-sponsored enterprise announced Thursday.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is seeking feedback on the benefits and risks of using alternative data sources, such as rent or utility payments, that would allow lenders to build a credit history for unbanked consumers.

Wintrust Financial in Rosemont, Ill., has bought certain assets of American Homestead Mortgage in Montana.

Builders started work on more homes than forecast in January after an upward revision to starts in the prior month, a sign construction was on a steady path entering 2017.

Black Knight Financial Services has launched a new tool that identifies potential liabilities to reduce title insurers' claims.

Loan applications for new home purchases increased 9.2% year over year in January, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo said Wednesday that although he plans to begin working on housing finance reform and changes to the Dodd-Frank Act, the poor relationship between Democrats and Republicans will slow any progress.

Zeus Mortgage in Houston is positioning its new online crowdfunding platform as an alternative to traditional mortgages for property buyers and others having trouble borrowing to remodel homes or fund construction projects.

The refinance share of mortgage activity decreased to 46.9% of total applications, its lowest level since June 2009, from 47.9% the previous week.

The government-sponsored enterprises should target their affordable housing efforts to strengthening the single-family market, rather than investing in private equity giants.