Origination

People's United Financial in Bridgeport, Conn., reported higher first-quarter profits as it increased lending for both commercial and residential real estate.

Rates for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose slightly last week, as recent figures showing an active home-sales market suggest homebuyers are taking advantage of current conditions, according to Freddie Mac.

Home prices rose 0.4% in February from the prior month, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as job growth fueled demand for a scant supply of listings.

Home sellers realized a 17% average gain in price in March, the highest average gain since December 2007, according to RealtyTrac.

Competitive pricing and softening demand at the high end of the apartment- and condo-building market had executives at BankUnited, Signature and New York Community answering tough questions about their growth projections and diversification strategies.

The time to close residential mortgage loans continues to drop, falling an average of two days in March from the previous month, Ellie Mae reported.

Total mortgage applications increased last week, due to an increase in refinance applications, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Two St. Louis-area investors have been indicted on charges they defrauded the failed Excel Bank on real estate loans.

Purchases of previously owned U.S. homes rose more than projected in March, indicating resilience in demand heading into the spring selling season.

Bucking their rent-not-own reputation, millennials are looking forward to buying a home, but many have grossly underestimated just how much they'll need for that all-important down payment.