Origination

Home prices in 20 U.S. cities increased 5% in June from the same month a year earlier, a sign of more progress in the housing market.

Two Florida men have been sentenced for their roles in a mortgage fraud scheme that resulted in about $24 million of losses for several financial institutions, including M&T Bank in Buffalo, N.Y.

Fannie Mae is revamping its affordable mortgage program to make it easier for low- and moderate-income families to qualify for low-down-payment loans.

Loans to first-time homeowners and others with low credit scores are a big part of the Federal Housing Administration's growth in purchase mortgages since the agency cut premiums.

Toll Brothers Inc., the largest U.S. luxury homebuilder, said fiscal third-quarter earnings fell as lower prices and unit sales caused revenue to decline.

The mortgage industry typically takes a conservative approach to employees promoting their personal brands. But it's time for lenders to take a lesson from the presidential hopefuls who have gained an upper hand by playing up their individual brands.

Purchases of new homes rebounded in July, bolstering signs the real estate market is picking up.

CMBS primary issuance won't pick up again until September, according to Barclays.

Freddie Mac announced last week that it will guarantee its second series of SB Certificates, which are backed by multifamily small-balance loans underwritten by Freddie Mac and issued by a third-party trust.

The global market turmoil could be good for mortgage lenders if a further drop in long-term interest rates sparks another refinancing wave. It also could spell trouble for those that have not properly hedged their servicing rights.